In a major move towards disaster risk reduction, the Centre has approved the implementation of the National Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) Risk Mitigation Project (NGRMP), aimed at mitigating the risks of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in four states: Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh. This project, with a total financial outlay of Rs 150 crore, is set to strengthen disaster preparedness and enhance monitoring and early warning systems in vulnerable regions of the country.
Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, outlined the project details during a written reply in the Lok Sabha, explaining the financial allocations and the role of the states in the implementation of the project.
Total Allocation and Distribution of Funds
The total approved outlay for the NGRMP is Rs 150 crore, out of which Rs 85 crore has been allocated for the Northeastern states, with Rs 45 crore earmarked for Arunachal Pradesh and Rs 40 crore for Sikkim. The remaining financial allocation is spread across Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
- Arunachal Pradesh: Rs 45 crore (Rs 40.50 crore from Central funds and Rs 4.50 crore from state resources)
- Sikkim: Rs 40 crore (Rs 36 crore from Central funds and Rs 4 crore from state resources)
The Central share from the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) will be Rs 135 crore across the four states, with the remaining Rs 15 crore to be contributed by the states themselves. This project aims to reduce the impact of GLOF and other similar natural disasters, which have become more frequent due to climate change and increasing glacial retreat.
Key Objectives of the National GLOF Risk Mitigation Project
The primary objective of the National GLOF Risk Mitigation Project (NGRMP) is to prevent the loss of life, reduce economic damage, and protect critical infrastructure from the devastating impacts of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). The project focuses on strengthening early warning systems and disaster preparedness to effectively tackle the challenges posed by GLOFs in regions with rapidly changing climate conditions.
The key objectives of the NGRMP are as follows:
- Prevent Loss of Life and Economic Loss
The project aims to mitigate the risks associated with GLOF by preventing fatalities and minimizing economic losses. This will be achieved by deploying advanced disaster monitoring and early warning systems designed to detect and predict GLOFs in vulnerable areas. - Strengthen Early Warning and Monitoring Systems
A crucial component of the project is to enhance the early warning capabilities based on last-mile connectivity. This will ensure that communities in high-risk areas have access to real-time information and can take timely measures to protect themselves from potential disasters. - Protection of Critical Infrastructure
The project will focus on safeguarding critical infrastructure in high-risk regions, particularly in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and other Himalayan states, by strengthening disaster preparedness and providing necessary mitigation tools and technology.
Implementation and First Installments
The first installments for the NGRMP were released on January 17. Arunachal Pradesh received Rs 1.83 crore, while Sikkim was allocated Rs 8.35 crore. These funds are intended for the initial phase of the project, which includes the assessment of glacial lakes, installation of monitoring stations, and development of disaster management infrastructure in high-altitude areas.
Why GLOF Mitigation Is Critical for Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim?
Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim are among the states most vulnerable to the risks posed by Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). The Himalayan region, home to numerous glacial lakes, has seen significant glacial retreat over the past few decades, increasing the chances of GLOF events. These events occur when glacial lakes, which have formed due to melting glaciers, burst their banks and release large volumes of water downstream, leading to catastrophic floods.
Both states have been experiencing rapid climate change impacts, with warming temperatures causing glaciers to shrink and expand glacial lakes. As a result, glacial lake outbursts have become a serious threat to the lives of the local population, as well as to agriculture, infrastructure, and ecosystems in the region.
Project Implementation Timeline and Future Prospects
The NGRMP will be implemented over a multi-year period, with various phases focusing on disaster risk assessment, infrastructure development, and community-based mitigation strategies. As the project progresses, it will provide vital data on climate-induced risks and help local authorities develop long-term strategies for disaster resilience.
The expected outcomes of the project include:
- Reduced vulnerability to GLOFs and other climate-induced disasters
- Increased public awareness and community engagement in disaster risk management
- Enhanced disaster resilience of local infrastructure and livelihoods
The approval of the Rs 85 crore GLOF Mitigation Project for Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim marks a major step towards protecting the lives and infrastructure of vulnerable communities in the Himalayan region. With the implementation of early warning systems, disaster preparedness measures, and glacial lake monitoring, the project will help reduce the impact of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods and contribute to the overall disaster resilience of these high-risk states.
By investing in this mitigation project, the government is working to safeguard the future of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and other Himalayan states from the increasingly unpredictable effects of climate change.