Study of Bhutan's Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) event on Jaldapara National Park, West Bengal and Mitigation Measures regarding it

Akash Verma

doi:10.36808/if/2025/v151i12/170961

Study of Bhutan's Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) event on Jaldapara National Park, West Bengal and Mitigation Measures regarding it

Authors

Akash Verma Sundarban Tiger Reserve, West Bengal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36808/if/2025/v151i12/170961

Keywords:

Glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), Jaldapara National Park, Bhutan himalayas, Climate change and Flood risk, Disaster mitigation strategies.

Abstract

Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) are major hydrological hazards in the eastern Himalayas, threatening downstream ecosystems like Jaldapara National Park (JNP) in West Bengal. This study investigates Bhutan's GLOF events and their impact on Jaldapara, located along the Torsa River and vulnerable to floods from glacial lakes in the Amochu, Phochu, and Mangchu basins. Combining climate science, hydrology, and conservation biology, the study analyzes historical flood data, satellite imagery, and river dynamics to assess past events and future risks. Findings reveal that climate-induced glacial lake expansion in Bhutan poses escalating threats to Jaldapara's ecosystem, including riverbank erosion, habitat loss, and disruption of wildlife, notably the Indian one-horned rhinoceros. The study recommends early warning systems, cross-border cooperation, structural reinforcements, and adaptive conservation strategies. Integrating disaster risk reduction with ecological planning, the research advocates for a holistic approach to enhance Jaldapara's resilience against GLOFs and ensure long term biodiversity conservation.

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