The National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Hyderabad, has informed Uttarakhand State authorities about possible formation of a lake due to landslide debris on the Alaknanda river west of Badrinath and Mana village.
Observers point out that if a large lake is formed and bursts, the resulting flash floods could threaten Badrinath and other towns downstream of the Alaknanada, though the present situation is not alarming. On this information, the Chamoli administration sent a team to survey the site and said on Thursday the flow in the river had not been restricted.
While the district authorities and police have stated that they are on alert, the NRSC and Uttarakhand Space Application Centre are monitoring all glacial lakes above the tree line.
The NRSC had mailed information and satellite images of the area in question to various Central and State officials, including the State Disaster Mitigation and Management Centre executive director on July 10, but in the absence of a specific alert, he has sought clarification from the NRSC.