Experts warn that Kashmir’s glacial lakes are on the verge of a catastrophic Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF), with five lakes in the Kashmir Himalaya posing a high risk of sudden, devastating floods.According to Kashmir Media Service, despite warnings, the Indian government has failed to take proactive measures to mitigate the risks, say experts.

“The government’s inaction is fueling the fire,” said Associate Professor Irfan Rashid, University of Kashmir.The lakes, including Bramsar and Chirsar, are ticking time bombs, threatening thousands of buildings, bridges, and hydropower plants downstream. The GLOF risk is projected to triple in the western Himalaya by 2100, putting Kashmir directly in the crosshairs.

The Indian government’s complacency is alarming, given the devastating 2023 Sikkim GLOF that claimed over 100 lives. “Science has provided warning, but action lags,” said Assistant Professor Syed Danish Rafiq Kashani.As many as 14 high-risk lakes have been identified, but experts demand more. “We need continuous monitoring, strategic action plans, and targeted interventions,” said Rashid.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)