India has initiated its first comprehensive survey of high-risk glacial lakes in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang and Dibang Valley districts, regions that share a 1,080 km-long border with China.
The operation, part of the National Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) Mission led by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), aims to assess the feasibility of installing early warning systems and other mitigation measures in these strategically important areas, according to a report by Economic Times.
The Arunachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) is leading the survey in coordination with experts from the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure.
Geopolitical significance
The survey marks a significant step in India’s broader effort to map all glacial lakes across the country. However, the focus on Arunachal Pradesh—a state that has seen historical tensions with China—adds a layer of geopolitical importance.
Both Tawang and Dibang Valley are located in areas China has claimed as part of southern Tibet, and the districts’ proximity to the border has made this survey one to watch closely.
The survey comes amid concerns over the potential impact of Chinese infrastructure projects, including a mega dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, on the fragile Himalayan ecosystem and downstream areas in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. These concerns were heightened in 2018 when a landslide in Tibet led to flash flood warnings in the region.
Survey timeline
“The teams will survey three high-risk glacial lakes each in Tawang and Dibang Valley districts, out of the 27 identified in five districts of Arunachal Pradesh,” said Dani Salu, Secretary of the Arunachal Pradesh SDMA. The survey will evaluate the accessibility, geocoordinates, lake boundaries, elevation, and land use patterns to facilitate the installation of an Automatic Early Warning System and Automatic Weather Stations.
The 14-member expert team is expected to complete the survey within 12 days, with initial work focusing on lakes in Tawang’s Mago area and those in Jang and Zemithang subdivisions.
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India launches first-ever survey of high-risk glacial lakes in Arunachal Pradesh amid China concerns
