What Are Hanging Glaciers?
✅ Hanging glaciers are small glaciers located on steep mountain slopes and valley walls
✅ They often terminate abruptly and are vulnerable to sudden break-offs, avalanches and ice collapse
Key Findings of the Study
- Researchers identified 219 hanging glaciers in the Alaknanda basin of Uttarakhand, a key headstream region of the Ganga
- These glaciers cover nearly 72 sq km with an estimated ice volume of 2.39 cubic km
- Nearly one-third of them are in a highly “unstable” condition and prone to collapse
Who Conducted the Study?
- Scientists from:
- Indian Institute of Science
- Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar
- Defence Research and Development Organisation
- The study was published in the journal npj Natural Hazards
Why Are These Glaciers Becoming Dangerous?
1- The Himalayas are warming faster than the global average
2- Rapid warming has accelerated glacier retreat in the last two decades
3- Retreat of larger glaciers has destabilised tributary and hanging glaciers on mountain slopes
4- Many hanging glaciers are now in an “unstable state”, increasing the risk of avalanches
Vulnerable Regions
- The most vulnerable area is the Alaknanda Basin
- The basin ranges from 400 m to 7,800 m in elevation and is both geologically fragile and seismically active
- It contains important pilgrimage and tourism centres such as:
- Badrinath
- Kedarnath
- Mana
Possible Consequences
- Sudden collapse of hanging glaciers can trigger:
- Massive avalanches
- River blockage
- Temporary glacial lakes
- Flash floods downstream
- Avalanche debris could exceed 50 metres in some locations
- In the worst-case scenario, avalanches could affect settlements like Mana, Badrinath and Hanuman Chatti
Role of Human Activities
- Human exposure is rising due to rapid infrastructure expansion in fragile Himalayan regions
- Built-up area in vulnerable zones has increased from about 8,000 sq m in 2000 to more than 1,50,000 sq m projected by 2030
- Roads, hydropower projects, tourism and urbanisation are increasing risk
Why This Matters for India
- The affected region is the source of the Ganga and supports millions of people downstream
- The Himalayas are crucial for water security, pilgrimage, hydropower and biodiversity
- Glacier-related disasters can threaten both lives and critical infrastructure
Suggested Measures
1- Continuous monitoring of high-risk glaciers through satellites and drones
2- Use of avalanche simulation and early warning systems
3- Restrict infrastructure expansion in vulnerable zones
4- Prepare hazard maps and climate-resilient development plans
5- Focus on the most dangerous glaciers first, as full-scale monitoring of all glaciers may not be feasible
Conclusion
- The study highlights that climate change and unplanned development are making the Central Himalaya increasingly vulnerable.
- India needs a precautionary approach that combines glacier monitoring, disaster preparedness and sustainable mountain development.
