Threats From Glacial Lakes

When the global warming affected the world’s climatic conditions during the second half of the 20th century, a large amount of snow and ice melted rapidly paving the way for formation of large glacial lakes. Since then the level of the glacial lake has been increasing rapidly, which has resulted in a huge loss of life and natural resources.

Nepal too has several big glacial lakes that are threatening the lives of the people in the respective regions. Tsho Rolpa at the height of 4580, Lower Barun at 4570, Imja at 5000 metres, Thulagai at 4146 metres, Dig Tsho at 4365 metres and Tampokhari at 4432 metres are some of the important glacial lakes in Nepal’s Himalayan region.

Due to global warming, the snow is melting at a fast pace, rapidly raising the level of the glacial lakes. Due to over-loaded water, the glacial lakes may burst out flooding the entire valleys in the lake areas. Therefore, we urge the government to carry out investigation and study, and provide information regarding this issue to the local people.

Kishor Ghimire
Birendra Multiple Campus
Bharatpur, Chitawan