ITANAGAR,
As part of the National Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) Risk Management Programme (NGRMP) and efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness, the Arunachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) on Saturday organised a three-day hands-on training programme on bathymetry survey devices in Itanagar.
The programme aimed to enhance the technical capacity of officials and experts expected to participate in surveys of identified high-risk glacial lakes in the state.
Arunachal Pradesh currently has 32 identified high-risk glacial lakes that pose potential threats of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods.
The training began with theoretical sessions on the technical aspects, operation and applications of bathymetry survey devices, followed by practical demonstrations and field-based exercises at Ganga Lake. Participants were also trained in data collection and processing techniques.
Experts and officials from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Geological Survey of India (GSI), Arunachal Pradesh Space Application Centre (APSAC), Water Resources Department, State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) and District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) participated in the programme.
Speaking on the occasion, APSDMA Joint Director said, “Bathymetric surveys are essential to assess the risks posed by identified high-risk glacial lakes and to facilitate mitigation planning.”
“Despite several earlier attempts, bathymetric studies could not be conducted due to administrative challenges. APSDMA subsequently procured its own bathymetry survey device to carry forward the work,” he said.
The Joint Director further said, “APSDMA currently lacks sufficient technical experts in this field and therefore requires support from specialists across various departments. Full cooperation during future survey and mitigation activities is crucial.”
He also stressed the need for conducting Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) studies to examine the internal structure and stability of moraine dams surrounding glacial lakes.
“ERT assessments are vital for effective risk management and for planning appropriate mitigation measures,” he added, while appealing to the concerned departments to support APSDMA in conducting the studies.
The initiative forms part of APSDMA’s broader strategy to strengthen preparedness against potential GLOF incidents amid concerns over the increasing size of several glacial lakes and the risks posed to downstream communities.
