NU leads Himalayan lake stability study to mitigate GLOF

Nagaland University (NU) is spearheading a major research project to assess the stability of high-altitude lakes in the Sikkim and Arunachal Himalayas. The study aims to develop a near-accurate inventory of glacial lakes and evaluate their potential for Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF).
The project will focus on Tenbawa Lake in Sikkim and two glacial lakes in Arunachal Pradesh. Researchers will use high-resolution satellite data, bathymetric surveys, and 2D/3D flood modelling to identify “Potentially Dangerous Glacial Lakes” and assess risks related to geomorphology, permafrost thaw, and slope instability in the Tawang and Lachung regions.
It may be noted that Bathymetric surveys are specialized hydrographic surveys that map the depths and shapes of underwater terrain. The process provides detailed information about the underwater topography of a water body.
Funded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the project is led by Dr. Manasi Debnath, Assistant Professor, Department of Geography, NU. Co-investigators include experts from Jawaharlal Nehru University, Sikkim University, G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, and Inter-University Accelerator Centre, Delhi. Samikcha Rai, Junior Project Fellow and PhD Scholar at NU, is also part of the research team.
NU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Jagadish K Patnaik said the university is proud to lead this critical initiative, which will help address environmental vulnerabilities in the Eastern Himalayas and improve preparedness for natural disasters.
He added that the project reflects NU’s commitment to advancing research for ecological resilience in the Northeast.
The study will also examine ecological risks, freshwater resources, and climate change impacts. Findings will be shared with policymakers and planners to support sustainable development and disaster mitigation along riverbanks and glacial streams.