Leh, Mar 28: The Administrative Secretary of the Disaster Management Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (DMRRR) Department, UT Ladakh Amit Sharma today said that there is a need to conduct in-depth studies on major glacial lakes of the Ladakh, especially those glacial lakes whose which are expanding very fast.
According to a press release, he was addressing meeting to address potential threats of Glacial Lake Outburst Flow (GLOF) hazards in the Union Territory of Ladakh here. All the major stakeholders including both Deputy Commissioners, NRSC-ISRO, IIRS, IMD experts were among others who participated.
The meeting was aimed at methodically assessing the challenges posed by GLOF hazards and strategise a vigorous framework for effective risk management and mitigation.
A comprehensive presentation on subject was by the Director of the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Hyderabad. He shed light on the utilisation of satellite technology for Glacial Lake inventory, risk assessment, and long-term monitoring of glacial lake extent.
Amit expressed gratitude to NRSC-ISRO team from Hyderabad for provisioning Ladakh specific crucial data-driven insights into the distribution and dynamics of glacial lakes, laying a foundation for informed decision-making.
Additionally, another presentation was made by scientists from the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), Dehradun which focused on flood hazard assessment modeling techniques specific to GLOF occurrences in Ladakh. This presentation offered invaluable insights into cutting-edge methodologies aimed at enhancing predictive capabilities and preparedness measures.
Secretary DMRRR Ladakh Amit Sharma highlighted the importance of safeguarding human habitation and preventing loss of life due to natural calamities. He further emphasised the significance of proactive risk management towards implementing robust strategies to mitigate the risks associated with GLOF events and shared that more extensive studies shall be carried out in both Leh and Kargil districts especially in vulnerable Padam, Suru and Rumbak glacial belts for future flood hazard assessment.
“Specialised capacity building drives shall be carried out to train Human Resources for mitigating GLOF related disasters in UT,” he said.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Commissioner Leh, Superintendent of Police, UTDRF, Ladakh, Deputy Secretary of Disaster Management Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction Department, UT Ladakh, EOC In-charge; while Deputy Commissioner Kargil, Director Indian Meteorological Department, Ladakh, representatives from NRSC and representatives from IIRS participated in the meeting virtually.