Coordinated mitigation needed in Jaldapara National Park, WB to deal with glacial outbursts: IFS Akash Verma’s Study

The increasing threat of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) necessitates urgent and coordinated mitigation efforts in Jaldapara National Park (JNP) in West Bengal and Alipurduar district. This was concluded in a study titled “Impact of Bhutan's Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) on Jaldapara National Park in West Bengal” carried out by Akash Verma, ACF, Sundarban Tiger Reserve, West Bengal.

JNP, located in the Alipurduar district of West Bengal, is one of the most ecologically significant protected areas in eastern India. Situated on the banks of the Torsa River, a tributary of the Amochu, the park is renowned for its unique biodiversities, diverse wildlife, including the Indian one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), Asian elephants. The study and its report assumes significance in the wake of recent glacial outburst that devastated Nepal and North Eastern parts of India.

In his report, Verma advocates integrating GLOF mitigation into management and disaster plans, conducting joint studies with Bhutan and ICIMOD, and implementing water volume reduction measures are critical steps.

The study advocates for strengthening flood protection infrastructure, establishing early warning systems, and creating artificial highlands for wildlife that can enhance resilience. Community awareness and continuous monitoring will further mitigate risks. A proactive, science-based approach combining policy, technology, and conservation strategies is essential to safeguard both biodiversity and human settlements from future GLOF- induced disasters.

This study specifically analyzes the Amochu, Phochu, and Mangchu river basins, as they directly pass through Alipurduar district and JNP. Several glacial lakes in Bhutan's Amochu, Phochu, and Mangchu basins pose a high GLOF risk due to large volumes and glacier connectivity, endangering around 15 million people downstream regions. Any breach of a glacial lake in these basins can lead to rapid flooding of Jaldapara's river systems, altering the park's landscape, displacing wildlife, damaging critical habitats and infrastructures.