The level of water in the Satopanth glacial lake is normal and the reservoir formed due to landslide debris on Alaknanda River near Badrinath does not pose threat of imminent damage.
This was revealed when, taking cognisance of media reports, Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna held a meet with officials of the Uttarakhand Space Application Centre (USAC) and the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG) to review the condition of glacial lakes in the State.
He has directed USAC to submit a proposal for a study on glaciers and glacial lakes in Uttarakhand, apart from which the Centre will also coordinate with the local police to regularly monitor the level of water in the lake near Badrinath so as to facilitate advance warning in case of a threatening scenario.
Satellite images released by the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Hyderabad, on July 10 had revealed the formation of a lake on the Alaknanda river near its source below the Satopanth glacier, west of Badrinath and Mana village in Chamoli district.
Some news channels also broadcast news about the water level rising alarmingly and later ‘broke news’ about the lake bursting on Thursday which had spread panic among those living along the banks of the Alaknanda downstream of Badrinath. In view of this, the CM held a meet with officials of the USAC and WIHG on Friday to assess the situation and threat. Bahuguna stressed on regular monitoring of glaciers and glacial lakes and providing information about the same to the State administration.
USAC director Dr MM Kimothi said that the lake formed on Alaknanda covered an area of 2553 square metres and was not deep. The situation was termed ‘normal’ by WIHG officials.
Talking to The Pioneer after the meeting, Kimothi said that though the situation was not alarming at present, the lake formed on the river would be monitored regularly. “We will also facilitate regular monitoring of the water level in the lake along with the police. We have already established a satellite terminal at Badrinath; so any information about alarming rise in the water level will be relayed without delay. Similar satellite terminals have also been set at Guptkashi, Badkot and Pithoragarh and linked with the police HQ in Dehradun,” he added.