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Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and Himalayan Disaster Management

PYQs

6

Articles

1

Momentum

17

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

UPSC frequently examines natural disasters, their causes (including climate change links), impacts on vulnerable regions like the Himalayas, and national/international strategies for disaster risk reduction, early warning systems, and mitigation. GLOFs are a specific, high-impact hazard in India's neighbourhood.

Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) are a type of flash flood that occurs when the natural dam containing a glacial lake fails, releasing large volumes of water and debris. These events are particularly devastating in mountainous regions like the Himalayas, where they pose significant risks to downstream communities and infrastructure.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Triggers

Caused by events like glacier collapse, ice avalanches, landslides, or seismic activity impacting glacial lakes.

Characteristics

Sudden, rapid release of water and debris, leading to widespread destruction.

Vulnerability

The Himalayan region is highly vulnerable due to numerous glacial lakes, many of which are expanding due to climate change.

Indian Incidents

India has experienced several major GLOF-like incidents, including Kedarnath (2013), Chamoli (2021), and Sikkim (2023).

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaDisaster Management
Conceptual areaClimate Change Impacts
Conceptual areaHimalayan Ecosystems

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)Implements
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)Monitors
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Prelims angle: Institutional roles and functions

Quick revision

  • GLOFs: Flash floods from glacial lake breaches.
  • Himalayan vulnerability: Expanding glacial lakes, seismic activity.
  • NDMA's role: National GLOF Risk Management Programme, early warning systems.
  • Key mitigation: Lake strengthening, landslide forecasting.
  • Examples: Kedarnath (2013), Chamoli (2021), Sikkim (2023).

High-confidence PYQs

2026Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Which of the following statements in relation to NIRANTAR (National Institute for Research and Application of Natural Resources to Transform, Adapt and Build...

Environment & EcologyOpen question
2025Factual recall, Institutional roles and functions

Which organization has enacted the Nature Restoration Law (NRL) to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss?

Environment & EcologyOpen question
2023Statement-based questions, Institutional roles and functions

Consider the following statements : 1. In India, the Biodiversity Management committees are key to the realization of the objectives of Nagoya Protocol. 2...

Environment & EcologyOpen question
2022Factual recall, Institutional roles and functions

Which one of the following has been constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986?

Environment & EcologyOpen question
2016Multi-statement analysis, Institutional roles and functions

Which of the following are the key features of ‘National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA)’? 1. The river basin is the unit of planning and management. 2...

Environment & EcologyOpen question
2014Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding

What are the benefits of implementing the ‘Integrated Watershed Development Programme’? 1. Prevention of soil runoff 2. Linking the country’s perennial river...

Environment & EcologyOpen question

Topic timeline

Disaster ManagementClimate Change ImpactsHimalayan Ecosystems
Prelims 2014· Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding

What are the benefits of implementing the ‘Integrated Watershed Development Programme’? 1. Prevention of soil runoff 2. Linking the country’s perennial river...

Open question
Prelims 2016· Multi-statement analysis, Institutional roles and functions

Which of the following are the key features of ‘National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA)’? 1. The river basin is the unit of planning and management. 2...

Open question
Prelims 2022· Factual recall, Institutional roles and functions

Which one of the following has been constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986?

Open question
Prelims 2023· Statement-based questions, Institutional roles and functions

Consider the following statements : 1. In India, the Biodiversity Management committees are key to the realization of the objectives of Nagoya Protocol. 2...

Open question
Prelims 2025· Factual recall, Institutional roles and functions

Which organization has enacted the Nature Restoration Law (NRL) to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss?

Open question
Prelims 2026· Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Which of the following statements in relation to NIRANTAR (National Institute for Research and Application of Natural Resources to Transform, Adapt and Build...

Open question

Nepal flash floods: Hanging glacier collapse in focus, NDMA for hard look to reduce future risks

28 Aug 2026 · GLOFs are sudden floods from glacial lake breaches, a major hazard in the Himalayas. India's NDMA implements programs like the National GLOF Risk Management Programme, focusing on early warning systems and lake strengthening to mitigate risks, especially given the expansion of glacial lakes.

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Related topics

Current topic

Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and Himalayan Disaster Management

Often confused with

Disaster Management Preparedness

Open notes

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 6 linked questions on Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and Himalayan Disaster Management in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

See Mains PYQsEvaluate an answer

UPSC Prelims PYQs on Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and Himalayan Disaster Management

Practice official previous year questions asked by UPSC related to this concept.

Which of the following are the key features of ‘National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA)’? 1. The river basin is the unit of planning and management. 2...

2016·Environment & Ecology
Solve

Consider the following statements : 1. In India, the Biodiversity Management committees are key to the realization of the objectives of Nagoya Protocol. 2...

2023·Environment & Ecology
Solve

Which of the following statements in relation to NIRANTAR (National Institute for Research and Application of Natural Resources to Transform, Adapt and Build...

2026·Environment & Ecology
Solve

Which one of the following has been constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986?

2022·Environment & Ecology
Solve

Which organization has enacted the Nature Restoration Law (NRL) to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss?

2025·Environment & Ecology
Solve

What are the benefits of implementing the ‘Integrated Watershed Development Programme’? 1. Prevention of soil runoff 2. Linking the country’s perennial river...

2014·Environment & Ecology
Solve

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