Glacial Lakes of Garhwal Himalaya: An Inventory and Change Detection Analysis Using Multi-Decadal Satellite Imagery

Abstract

The Garhwal Himalaya region houses several glacial lakes (GLs), which are of immense importance due to their ecological and hydrological significance. The phenomenon of climate change and glacial recession has triggered an upsurge in both the extent and dimensions of glacial reservoirs, thereby augmenting the likelihood of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). This presents a noteworthy peril to the nearby communities and infrastructure. The study identified 14 proglacial lakes in the Garhwal region that pose a potential threat to GLOFs. These lakes are located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand and have been found to be expanding in size due to the recession of glaciers as a result of global warming. The study utilized historical images from Corona and Hexagon dating back to 1968 to establish a baseline and facilitate a spatiotemporal analysis, which unveiled a noteworthy surge in lake origin accompanied by the amplification of pre-existing water bodies. By 2023, there will be 323 lakes in the region, compared to just 177 lakes in 1994, signifying an 80% increase in the quantity of lakes, exclusively encompassing the genesis of newly formed lakes. The study emphasized that it is imperative to monitor these changes closely as they pose a potential threat to GLOFs. Additional investigation is needed to understand the enduring consequences of these alterations on both the environment and the communities residing in this area. © 2026 selection and editorial matter, Deepak Kumar, Anil Kumar, and Shekhar Singh

individual chapters, the contributors.