MHA directs Himalayan states to shift to preventive GLOF, avalanche planning
Home Secretary chairs review of GLOF and avalanche preparedness; states told to focus on preventive mitigation, community readiness.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has directed Himalayan states and Union Territories to strengthen their preparedness against glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and snow avalanches, with a clear emphasis on moving from reactive response systems to preventive, community-level mitigation.
Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan chaired a meeting on Thursday to review the readiness of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir against these mountain hazards. The discussions covered the evolving risk profile of GLOFs in the region, with particular attention to strengthening early-warning mechanisms, continuous monitoring of vulnerable glacial lakes and snow-covered zones, identification of high-risk sites, and mapping of potential flow paths.
Officials also examined protocols for timely dissemination of alerts, evacuation preparedness, and overall response capacity. State and UT-specific vulnerabilities were assessed in detail, with a directive that mitigation measures must translate into concrete action at the district and local levels.
Mohan stressed the need for sustained and proactive monitoring of high-risk glacial lakes and avalanche-prone slopes, especially during periods of heightened danger. He advised states to maintain close coordination among state agencies, district administrations, and scientific institutions such as the Central Water Commission, India Meteorological Department, and Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment, ensuring that warnings are acted upon swiftly.
The Home Secretary underscored that preparedness must extend beyond response-oriented measures to include risk-informed planning and community-level readiness. States were advised to regularly review their preparedness plans, identify gaps in early-warning and evacuation arrangements, and take corrective steps before any extreme event occurs.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretaries and state disaster management authorities of the concerned states and UTs, along with senior MHA officials and representatives from the National Disaster Management Authority. Mohan also urged states to expedite progress on GLOF mitigation projects sanctioned by the Centre in 2024.
The review concluded with directions for continued inter-agency coordination, regular sharing of risk information, and strengthening of early-warning and response frameworks to minimise loss of life and property in vulnerable Himalayan areas.