J&K Told To Act Before Glofs, Avalanches Strike

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- The Ministry of Home Affairs has directed Jammu and Kashmir and other Himalayan States and Union Territories to strengthen early-warning and monitoring systems for glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and snow avalanches, with emphasis on advance risk assessment and timely evacuation.

The directions were issued during a review meeting chaired by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and attended by senior officials from Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, besides representatives of central disaster management and scientific agencies.

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The meeting reviewed preparedness across the Himalayan region to deal with GLOFs and avalanches, including identification of vulnerable glacial lakes, avalanche-prone zones, potential flood flow paths and areas requiring enhanced surveillance.

For Jammu and Kashmir, the directions assume significance as several high-altitude areas remain vulnerable to avalanches and other mountain hazards, particularly during heavy snowfall, rapid warming and extreme weather events.

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The MHA asked authorities to ensure that alerts generated by scientific and technical agencies reach district administrations and vulnerable communities without delay and are followed by appropriate preventive action.

Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan stressed the need to move away from a response-based approach towards advance risk assessment, preventive mitigation and preparedness at the community level.

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The States and UTs were also asked to review their existing disaster management and evacuation plans, identify gaps and take corrective measures before extreme weather events occur.

The meeting further reviewed GLOF mitigation projects sanctioned by the Centre in 2024 and called for their expedited implementation.

The MHA also stressed regular sharing of risk information among government departments, district administrations and scientific and technical institutions to improve coordination and preparedness.

The directions come amid growing concern over climate-linked hazards in the Himalayan region, where changing weather patterns and accelerated glacier melt can increase the risk posed by unstable glacial lakes and avalanches.

The meeting concluded with an emphasis on strengthening early-warning, monitoring and response mechanisms to minimise loss of life and damage to infrastructure and property in vulnerable Himalayan areas. (KNO)

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