Nepal Floods Trigger Uttarakhand Alert: 13 Glacial Lakes Declared Sensitive, CM Dhami Orders Round-the-Clock Vigilance

Dehradun: The devastation caused by flash floods in Nepal has prompted Uttarakhand to step up disaster preparedness, with 13 glacial lakes across the state identified as sensitive due to potential risks to surrounding mountainous regions.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed officials to maintain heightened vigilance, ensure regular scientific monitoring of the lakes and strengthen safety measures in vulnerable areas.

The Chief Minister instructed State Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman to take immediate necessary steps. He called for scientific surveillance of the identified lakes and the installation of modern early-warning systems, with additional systems to be deployed wherever required.

Comprehensive Survey of Sensitive Lakes Ordered
CM Dhami has ordered a detailed assessment of all 13 sensitive glacial lakes. Officials will regularly monitor their water levels, assess changes in their size and examine their overall condition.

The surrounding mountainous terrain will also be surveyed to identify potential danger zones. The exercise is aimed at ensuring that residents can be evacuated to safer locations quickly if a disaster occurs.

Sensors, Communication Systems to Be Strengthened
The Chief Minister has emphasized the deployment of modern sensors and water-level monitoring equipment in vulnerable locations.

Communication networks will also be strengthened so that authorities can receive timely information about any sudden changes or potential threats.

Officials have been directed to identify safe evacuation routes and strengthen warning mechanisms at the local level. Relief and rescue arrangements are also being upgraded to ensure a rapid response during emergencies.

Districts Put on High Alert
Following the recent flooding in Nepal, Uttarakhand’s Disaster Management Department convened a meeting with District Magistrates from across the state to review disaster preparedness.

District Magistrates have been instructed to regularly inspect vulnerable areas and immediately report any unusual activity or developments to senior authorities.

Surveys of Four Glacial Lakes Completed
State Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman said 13 glacial lakes have been identified as sensitive, while surveys of four of them have already been completed.

The remaining lakes will be surveyed in phases using scientific assessment methods. Expert teams will soon be sent to Saraswati Tal in Chamoli district and Kedar Tal in Uttarkashi district for detailed surveys.

Residents to Receive Evacuation and Safety Information

Authorities will educate residents living in vulnerable areas about potential risks, emergency precautions and the locations of designated safe zones. Information about evacuation routes will also be provided.

The state government is focusing on pre-disaster preparedness rather than waiting for an emergency to unfold. Regular monitoring, early warnings, strengthened communication systems and improved rescue arrangements are being prioritized to reduce the potential impact of glacial lake-related disasters.