Nepal Plans to Lower Water Levels in Four High-Risk Glacial Lakes

Kathmandu : Following the devastating Bhote Koshi flood that caused heavy loss of life and property, the government is preparing a plan to reduce the risk from potentially dangerous glacial lakes.

The government plans to begin detailed studies and designs this fiscal year for four high-altitude glacial lakes—Thulagi, Lower Barun, Lumding Tsho and Hongu-2. The lakes are considered among the potentially high-risk glacial lakes in Nepal.

The project, estimated to cost around $50 million, will include controlled water drainage structures, risk-monitoring sensors, flood forecasting and early warning systems.

Government officials say the project could take around six years to complete. The main objective is to lower the water levels of the lakes and reduce the risk of floods caused by the possible failure of their natural dams.

Nepal has previously lowered the water levels of Tsho Rolpa and Imja glacial lakes. Authorities say the urgency to manage such risks has increased as climate change accelerates glacier melt and contributes to the expansion and formation of glacial lakes.