Punjab Newsline | Lahaul-Spiti
Rising temperatures caused by climate change are rapidly melting glaciers in Himachal Pradesh’s Lahaul-Spiti region, increasing the danger of a major glacial disaster near the scenic village of Sissu.
According to a joint study by the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA) and the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC-ISRO), Ghepan Lake has expanded nearly three times in the last 33 years, raising fears of a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF).
The report states that the lake’s area grew from 36.49 hectares in 1989 to 101.30 hectares in 2022 due to accelerated melting of the Ghepang Glacier. Scientists have linked the rapid expansion to increasing temperatures and intense rainfall in the Himalayan region.
Experts warned that if the moraine-dammed lake bursts, Sissu village would fall in the highest-risk red zone. Floodwaters could reach the village within just 21 minutes at a speed of nearly 43 kmph, with water levels potentially rising up to 20 meters. More than 34 downstream locations, including roads, bridges, farmlands and settlements, could face severe destruction.
The study also noted that Ghepan Lake is formed behind a natural dam made of rocks, sand and debris, which is considered weak and vulnerable. Heavy rainfall, landslides, avalanches or glacier collapse into the lake could trigger a sudden breach and catastrophic flooding.
