Increasing number of lakes in Himachal Pradesh a cause for concern

The increasing number of lakes in Himachal Pradesh, formed by the melting of glaciers in the river basins, is a cause for concern, as it could lead to a calamity like the recent glacier burst in neighbouring Uttarakhand.

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh): In recent times, the number of lakes in the river basins of Himachal Pradesh has seen an increase — a cause of serious concern especially after the Uttarakhand glacier burst.

However, it is not just Himachal Pradesh, but also neighbouring Punjab and Haryana which are at risk of a calamity owing to the increase in the number of lakes.

More lakes are formed due to an increase in the melting of glaciers. Experts believe that the formation of new lakes could potentially lead to flooding

The threat came to light a year ago, based on a study conducted by the Department of Environment, Science and Technology's Climate Change Centre, Shimla.

The study showed that the number of lakes in the Sutlej basin increased by 16 per cent, in the Chenab basin by 15 per cent and in the Ravi basin by 12 per cent.

In such circumstances, summer days can bring danger for Himachal Pradesh, especially in the months of July to September. The state had endured misery in 2005, when the rising water in Parchu Lake caused havoc.

Number of lakes constantly increasing in state

In Himachal Pradesh, there were 642 lakes in the Sutlej basin in 2017, which increased to 769 in 2018. Similarly, 220 lakes were formed in Chenab basin as of 2017, which increased to 254 in 2018. In the Ravi river basin, the figure was 54 and 66 respectively for both the years.

Read:Disaster struck Raini village was the origin of Chipko movement

Similarly, 49 lakes were formed in the Beas river basin in 2017 and 65 in 2018.

Further, 49 out of 769 lakes in the Sutlej basin have increased in size to 10 hectares. The area of some lakes is also estimated to be about 100 hectares.

Change in size as well as numbers

The study revealed that there are 57 lakes in the 5 to 10-hectare size range, and 663 lakes having an area less than 5 hectares. Four of the 254 lakes in the Chenab Basin in the Himalayan region are more than 10 hectares in size. Apart from this, the size of three out of 66 lakes in the Ravi basin is more than 10 hectares.

Government serious on glacier related studies: Chief Secretary

According to the Himachal Pradesh government's chief secretary Anil Khachi, the state government is taking studies related to glaciers seriously. Along with this, the situation is also being assessed on the size of the lakes in the river basins.

The formation of lakes due to the melting of glaciers has always been a matter of concern. Parchu lake was also formed in such a manner. Pertinently, 4.44 per cent of Himachal Pradesh's land area is covered by glaciers. At least 20 glaciers are in danger in the region.

Read:Uttarakhand flood: 2019 study warned Himalayan glaciers melting at alarming speed