The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), often referred to as the 'Third Pole', faces increasing risks from Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), a phenomenon exacerbated by climate change and glacial retreat. Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) pose a significant threat to communities in high-altitude regions, particularly in the Himalayas, where the impacts of climate change are most pronounced. The rapid melting of glaciers, accelerated by rising global temperatures, has led to the formation of numerous glacial lakes. These lakes, perched precariously on mountain slopes, breach suddenly, releasing millions of cubic litres of water and debris.

The Hindu Kush-Himalayan (HKH) region is one of the most alpine glacier-rich areas outside Antarctica and Greenland, with approximately 33,000 square kilometres of glacial ice in the Himalayas. The HKH spans 3,500 kilometres across eight countries, and feeds 10 major river basins. The increasing frequency and intensity of GLOFs necessitate a comprehensive understanding of the risk landscape and the development of robust mitigation and risk reduction strategies.

In response to these escalating risks, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is organizing a 1 and ½ day policy workshop ‘Strategies for GLOF Risk Reduction’ focused on GLOF mitigation and risk reduction. This workshop aims to bring together experts, policymakers, researchers, and community representatives to share knowledge, discuss ongoing research, and develop actionable strategies to mitigate GLOF risks.