India’s first indigenous glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) warning system has been installed at Vasundhara Tal in Chamoli, at around 16,000 ft. The system is designed to monitor changes that could threaten villages and camps located downstream.
A 15-member team from CSIR-CBRI Roorkee trekked 16 km from the ITBP base camp and spent 15 days installing the equipment at the remote glacial lake. Villages and camps downstream have already been mapped as part of the preparedness work.
What the system monitors
The warning system tracks the lake’s water level, avalanches, landslides, the natural dam and weather conditions. It sends collected data by satellite every 2 hours.
The system can transmit information instantly in an emergency, allowing relevant authorities to receive an alert when a dangerous change is detected. The available information does not specify the agencies responsible for issuing evacuation orders or the exact alert procedure.
Lower development cost
Private firms had quoted Rs 8 crore for the system. CBRI built it for about Rs 61 lakh, making the indigenous installation substantially less expensive than the private quotations cited for the project.
The equipment will now undergo a 6 to 8 month pilot at Vasundhara Tal. Its performance during this period will determine the next stage of deployment described in the available details.
Wider rollout planned
After the pilot, the system will be set up at more glacial lakes. The expansion is intended to extend monitoring beyond Vasundhara Tal, although the available information does not identify the next lakes or provide a schedule for their installation.
The project combines remote monitoring with satellite communication at a high-altitude site. For downstream settlements and camps, the mapped locations and emergency data transmission are the key practical elements of the system.
Conclusion
The Vasundhara Tal installation marks the deployment of India’s first indigenous GLOF warning system. It will undergo a 6 to 8 month pilot before possible expansion to more glacial lakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where has the warning system been installed?
It has been installed at Vasundhara Tal in Chamoli, at around 16,000 ft.
Q. Who developed the system?
The system was built by CSIR-CBRI Roorkee.
Q. How much did CBRI’s system cost?
CBRI built it for about Rs 61 lakh. Private firms had quoted Rs 8 crore.
Q. What does the system monitor?
It monitors the lake’s water level, avalanches, landslides, the natural dam and weather.
Q. How often does it send data?
The system sends data via satellite every 2 hours and can send information instantly in an emergency.
Q. How long will the pilot last?
The pilot will run for 6 to 8 months.
Q. What is planned after the pilot?
The system will be set up at more glacial lakes after the pilot.
