Seven high-risk glacial lakes threaten Tawang villages and Army camps

At least seven high-risk glacial lakes in the Mago Chu basin of Tawang district, Arunachal Pradesh, pose a flood threat to downstream villages and military camps, the Arunachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has warned. During a sensitisation drive launched at Mago village, authorities briefed residents and defence personnel on evacuation routes, safe locations, and community-level plans to minimise risk from a potential Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF).

Deputy Director of APSDMA Dorjee Khandu said six of the seven lakes share a common drainage system passing through villages including Duri, which would be among the first settlements hit by floodwaters. He stressed the need for locally suitable early-warning mechanisms to ensure alerts reach every resident in time. Referring to recent devastating floods in Nepal, he urged vulnerable communities to remain prepared and gradually shift to safer locations where necessary.

The campaign has so far covered Mago village, Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police personnel at Mago, and residents of Thingbu Hydel area, New Maling and Tongsheng villages. It will be extended to other downstream settlements including Phonda, Chaksam, Grenkhar and Dungshengmang. At least five Army personnel died in a flash flood in Dibang Valley in August.