NEW DELHI : Four out of five potentially dangerous glacial lakes located at Mago Chu Basin in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang district expanded in size between 2016 and 2026, according to a satellite-based assessment released on Thursday.

Glacial lakes result by melting glaciers. Sudden releases of water from these lakes can trigger floods in downstream areas, a phenomenon known as glacial lake outburst (GLOFs) While GLOFs have occurred since the ice age, scientists say the risk has increased significantly due to rising global temperatures and accelerated glacier melt.

The assessment, conducted by Noida-based geospatial intelligence firm Suhora Technologies, found that one of the lakes –” Sanhapo Lake — showed particularly notable expansion during the study period.

According to the analysis, the lake’s area increased from 55.87 hectares (ha) in 2016 to 87.02 ha in 2026, before expanding further to 88.81 ha by June 15, 2026.

The report noted that the expansion of glacial lakes does not, by itself, indicate an imminent flood event. However, it reflects a general trend of glacial retreat and increasing meltwater accumulation.

As glacier lakes grow larger, they can become more dangerous because they are mostly dammed by unstable ice or sediment composed of loose rock and debris.

The boundary around a glacier lake can break due to several triggers, including large landslides or ice avalanches entering the lake, which can result in a GLOF.

In a statement, Amit Kumar, co-founder and COO of Suhora Technologies, said, “With the monsoon season approaching, continuous observation of glacial lakes becomes increasingly important and satellite-based observations can complement field investigations by providing timely information on lake expansion, glacier retreat and broader landscape changes across remote high-altitude environments.

“Such assessments help build long-term datasets that can support scientific research, planning, and informed decision-making,” he added. (Source: PTI)