Srinagar:At least five glacial lakes in the Himalayas in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) have been identified as having “very high susceptibility” to glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), placing over 2,700 buildings and key infrastructure at potential risk downstream.
According to Kashmir24, the disclosure was made by the National Conference-led IIOJK government while replying to a question in the Legislative Assembly in Jammu. It referred to a recent scientific study conducted by the Department of Geoinformatics, University of Kashmir and published in the Journal of Glaciology.
The study analyzed 155 glacial lakes using hydro-geomorphic indicators such as lake expansion rate, dam stability and surrounding environmental conditions. Based on this assessment, five lakes, Bramsar, Chirsar, Nundkol, Gangabal and Bhagsar, were categorised under the “very high susceptibility” class, indicating a significantly elevated risk compared to other lakes in the territory.
Researchers warned that a potential GLOF event—a high-magnitude flood triggered by the sudden failure of a glacial lake’s natural dam—could have serious downstream consequences. The study estimates that around 2,704 buildings, nearly 15 major bridges, key road segments, and at least one hydropower project fall within possible impact zones.