MoES Funds Himalayan Glacial Lake Hazard Research
The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) sanctioned a research project in 2022 titled 'Identifying current and future GLOF risk over contrasting topographic and climate zones of Indian Himalaya using Earth observation data and modelling' to the University of Kashmir and IIT Roorkee. The project has a total sanctioned cost of Rs. 91.2 lakhs and focuses on developing a comprehensive methodological approach to investigate glacial lakes across different time scales in the Indian Himalayan Region.
The study aims to assess glacial lake hazard potential using physically based models across contrasting climatological, geomorphological, and topographic zones. The research is designed to improve understanding and prediction of lake formation and the associated hazards and risks to downstream areas with human populations and infrastructure. Over the last three years, MoES has released a total amount of Rs. 62.03 lakhs toward this project.
This information was formally disclosed by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, in a written reply presented in the Lok Sabha on July 29, 2026. The disclosure was part of parliamentary proceedings responding to questions about research projects in Jammu and Kashmir.