{
  "type": "article",
  "title": "Nine Glacier Lakes Emerge As Severe Threat To Himachal Pradesh, IIT Mandi Study Reveals",
  "summary": "A recent study by IIT Mandi reveals that nine glacier lakes in Himachal Pradesh are melting rapidly and expanding in size. Researchers warn this poses a major flood risk to downstream communities, bridges, and infrastructure.",
  "content": "Amidst ongoing global climate shifts, nine glacier lakes situated in the hilly terrain of Himachal Pradesh are melting at an unusually rapid pace, sounding alarm bells for the region. The expanding dimensions of these water bodies located within the Himalayan region have turned into a matter of grave concern for the future. Over the past decade, these lakes have not only grown significantly in size but have also registered a 30 percent increase in their overall count, posing a continuous threat.\n\nAlarming Findings From IIT Mandi Researchers\nResearchers at IIT Mandi conducted a comprehensive study based on data collected through satellites and various other technological mediums. The researchers cautioned that adverse conditions triggered by both natural and man-made disasters could lead to sudden water drainage from these lakes, potentially causing massive devastation in downstream areas. The combination of shifting weather patterns and environmental stress is accelerating the instability of these high-altitude water bodies.\n\nNine Lakes Identified As Potential Water Bombs\nIIT Mandi researcher Professor Dr. Dericks P. Shukla explained that amid ongoing climate change, the number of lakes in the Himalayan region is continuously rising, approaching nearly 2,000. Among these, a total of nine specific lakes located on the border of Chamba and Lahaul namely Kalikund, Chandertal, Vasuki, Surai, Kya Tso, Yoche, Samudra Tapu, Kasanga, and Gepang Gath could potentially turn into water bombs at any given time. The zone of potential danger generated by these lakes encompasses more than 15 bridges, several populated villages, and vital educational and healthcare institutions.\n\nDetailed Breakdown Of Expansion And Vulnerability\nShukla pointed out that the melting of glaciers in Gepang Gath has expanded its area by 2.44 lakh square meters. Meanwhile, an expansion of 1.5 lakh square meters has been recorded in Kasang lake and 1.20 lakh square meters in Kalikund. However, due to its much steeper slope, Kalikund lake remains the most sensitive among them. Professor Shukla added that according to government bodies like the Central Water Commission and the National Disaster Management Authority, currently only four lakes in Himachal are classified in the sensitive zone, three of which are also included in the IIT Mandi study data.\n\nInflux Of Tourists Accelerating Glacier Melt\nHaving researched changes in glacier lakes for several years using satellite imagery and geology, Professor Dr. Dericks P. Shukla stated that both natural and anthropogenic disasters are driving the rapid melting of these glaciers. Natural disruptions include earthquakes and landslides, whereas human-induced factors involve the continuously rising influx of tourists into the hilly regions. According to Dr. Shukla, increased tourist activity in the mountains leads to higher accumulation of dust, which acts as a primary catalyst for the accelerated melting of glaciers. Today, advanced technology makes it quite easy to monitor these environmental shifts, but concrete fieldwork to preserve and protect them is still pending, requiring urgent government intervention.\n\nWhat this means for you\nThe rapid expansion and melting of these dangerous glacier lakes in Himachal Pradesh signal a severe risk of sudden floods for local residents and downstream infrastructure.\n\n• Across India: Policymakers and disaster management agencies nationwide need to scale up monitoring of fragile high-altitude ecosystems amid accelerating climate pressures.\n• In Himachal Pradesh: Residents, tourists, and local administrations in downstream areas across Chamba, Lahaul, and surrounding valleys must prepare evacuation plans and early warning mechanisms for potential flash floods.\n\nQuestions & Answers\n\n1. How many glacier lakes have become a threat in Himachal Pradesh?\nA total of nine glacier lakes in Himachal Pradesh are melting rapidly and posing a severe hazard.\n\n2. Which institution conducted the study on these lakes?\nThe study was conducted by researchers at IIT Mandi using satellite data and other technological sources.\n\n3. What changes have been recorded in these lakes over the past decade?\nOver the last ten years, these lakes have expanded in size while their overall count has increased by 30 percent.\n\n4. Which specific lakes are identified as dangerous?\nThe vulnerable lakes include Kalikund, Chandertal, Vasuki, Surai, Kya Tso, Yoche, Samudra Tapu, Kasanga, and Gepang Gath located near the Chamba and Lahaul borders.\n\n5. What is cited as the primary cause for the accelerated melting of glaciers?\nNatural events like earthquakes and landslides, combined with the rising influx of tourists and dust accumulation, are driving the melt.",
  "url": "https://trendkia.com/en/himachal-pradesh/himachal-pradesh-men-nau-gleshiyara-jhilen-banin-gnbhira-khatara-iit-mandi-ki-chaunkane-vali-riporta-men-hua-khulasa-27683",
  "category": "Himachal Pradesh",
  "publishedAt": "2026-09-04",
  "tags": [
    "Himachal Pradesh",
    "Glacier Lakes",
    "IIT Mandi",
    "Climate Change",
    "Disaster Management"
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "site": "TrendKia"
}