Urgent Call for Glacial Lake Risk Mitigation in India

P K Mishra highlighted the importance of mitigating risks associated with glacial lakes in India to ensure public safety. At the CoDRR workshop, he emphasized assessment, monitoring, and mitigation as key strategies. Mishra underscored the necessity for international cooperation and innovative financial solutions for effective disaster risk reduction.

P K Mishra, principal secretary to Prime Minister Modi, emphasized the urgent need for mitigating risks from glacial lakes in India. Speaking at the CoDRR workshop, he outlined strategies for GLOF risk reduction, stressing the importance of assessment, monitoring, and mitigation efforts.

Mishra highlighted the critical role of international cooperation, engaging experts from countries like Bhutan and Switzerland to improve disaster response strategies. He acknowledged challenges such as role confusion among various agencies, which hindered previous mitigation attempts.

He announced the government's approval of Rs 150 crore for the National GLOF Risk Mitigation Programme, urging states and union territories to lead in monitoring and mitigation, with federal support. Strengthening State Disaster Management Authorities will be pivotal for effective responses, he concluded.

(With inputs from agencies.)