PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Chief secretary Anand Bardhan stressed on the effective monitoring of glacial lakes to effectively tackle any disaster scenario. He said this while reviewing works done on various aspects of disaster management and mitigation here on Monday.
Informing about the work of the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA) and Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG) on glacial lake burst risk mitigation, Disaster Management and Rehabilitation secretary Vinod Kumar Suman said that WIHG is developing the Vasundhara lake as a pilot site where the latest early warning systems and monitoring mechanisms will be installed. There is a plan to implement this model for other sensitive glacial lakes to scientifically and technically strengthen the glacial lake hazard management in the State. Bardhan directed WIHG to present a detailed timeline of proposed works for 2026-27 and 2027-28. The institute was also directed to provide a detailed description of mitigation solutions including installation of early warning systems, real-time monitoring and decision support systems along with structural solutions.
Regarding the earthquake early warning system, Suman informed that presently 169 sensors and 112 sirens have been installed. Attempts are being made along with IIT Roorkee to strengthen the early warning system. Regarding risk assessment of debris flow, officials informed that a total of 48 vulnerable places have been identified in Chamoli, Uttarkashi and Pithoragarh districts. These sites are mainly located near drainage channels and have been categorised as high, medium and low on the basis of the risk.
WIHG director VK Gahalaut, USAC scientist Asha Thapliyal and other scientists and officials were present in the meeting.
