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LOK SABHA
The studies carried out by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) have revealed that the Chaurabari glacier like the majority of Himalayan glaciers is passing through a phase of recession. This recession can be attributed to the warm weather which is a worldwide phenomenon. The formation of supra glacial lakes is a localised phenomenon and the collected water is released into melt water system at regular intervals without causing any major change in river hydrology. During the studies undertaken by GSI till 1997 only one big lake called “Gandhi Sarovar” has been noticed.
The Gandhi Sarovar lake is very old and was in existence even before 1962. In 1997 observation the water level was found to be lower than 1992-1994 period which suggests of a regular outlet. The shrine is located at a higher terrace in the out wash plain and the same is not likely to be threatened by the bursting of small supra glacial lakes.
The supra glacial lakes are different from the ones formed by damming as a result of land slides etc. They have natural outlets within the glacier for release of water and therefore, they do not pose threat of flash floods in downstream areas. The formation of lakes over the glaciers and in the adjacent areas is a natural process and its formation cannot be avoided.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment and Forests Shri Namo Narain Meena in a written reply to a question from Shri Mohan Rawale in the Lok Sabha today.
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