The Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor, UT Ladakh, Dr Pawan Kotwa chaired an important meeting on the preparedness for Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) hazards in the Union Territory of Ladakh, to discuss various challenges and a way forward with the concerned officials and stakeholders, at the Civil Secretariat, Leh, on April 1.

The meeting underscored the necessity for comprehensive strategies to mitigate the potential risks posed by GLOF occurrences in UT Ladakh. It served as a platform for productive discussions and collaborative decision-making. The officials contributed valuable insights and reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding Ladakh’s population and infrastructure from GLOF hazards.

The Dean of Research Studies at the University of Ladakh, Dr Subrat Sharma, presented an innovative project aimed at revolutionising weather monitoring and space technology applications in Ladakh, which is a sophisticated system designed to address the unique environmental challenges faced by Ladakh.

The Dean explained the role of automatic weather stations in enhancing real-time weather monitoring capabilities across Ladakh. These stations, equipped with cutting-edge sensors and data collection mechanisms, are poised to provide accurate and comprehensive meteorological data.

Advisor Dr Pawan Kotwal directed the officials to identify vulnerabilities, enhance early warning systems, foster community resilience, conduct sensitisation programmes, and hold mock drills against such natural calamities. He emphasised the importance of dedication to proactive measures, including rigorous monitoring of glacial lakes, infrastructure reinforcement, and public awareness campaigns.

Dr Pawan Kotwal outlined a comprehensive roadmap aimed at bolstering emergency response mechanisms and cooperation to effectively address GLOF challenges.

The meeting concluded with a resolve to implement the devised strategies, ensuring a coordinated and resilient approach towards mitigating GLOF risks in UT Ladakh.

The meeting was attended by the ADGP of Ladakh Police, UT Ladakh; the Commissioner/Secretary of Forest Department, UT Ladakh; the Commissioner/Secretary of Planning Department, UT Ladakh; the Secretary of DMRRR Department, UT Ladakh; the Deputy Commissioner, Leh; Senior Superintendent of Police, Leh; Superintendent of Police, UTDRF, UT Ladakh; the Director of Indian Meteorological Department, UT Ladakh; representative from Ladakh University ; EOC In-charge. The Deputy Commissioner, Kargil; Senior Superintendent of Police, Kargil; representative from National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC); and representative from Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS) joined the meeting virtually.