Himachal Governor Says State Prepared to Tackle Possible Glacial Lake Floods

Himachal, Aug 29 : Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta on Saturday said the state’s disaster management authorities were prepared to respond to possible Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), amid growing concerns over climate-related risks in the Himalayan region.

Speaking about the devastation caused by recent flash floods in the Nepal-Tibet region, Gupta described the disaster as tragic and said climate change and global warming had emerged as major challenges for the world.

He expressed concern over the possibility of similar incidents occurring elsewhere along the Himalayan range and stressed the need for preparedness to minimise the impact of extreme weather events.

“Our concern is that such an incident should not occur anywhere in the Himalayan range. Our Disaster Management Department has been prepared for such situations,” Gupta said.

His remarks came in the wake of a joint report by IIT Ropar and the University of Technology Sydney that highlighted the potential threat posed by GLOFs in Himachal Pradesh. Such floods can occur when water accumulated in glacial lakes is suddenly released, sending large volumes of water downstream and potentially causing widespread destruction.

Gupta also emphasised the importance of supporting people affected by disasters. He welcomed the Centre’s prompt assistance to the affected region and urged citizens to participate in relief and rehabilitation efforts.

“There has been massive destruction, and if such devastation continues in this manner, the world will have to think seriously about finding a solution,” he said.

Universities Asked to Prepare Youth for Future

The governor also spoke about a proposed task force involving universities across Himachal Pradesh, aimed at preparing young people for emerging employment and livelihood opportunities.

Gupta said vice-chancellors from universities across the state had been invited for discussions on employment generation, local resources and ways to strengthen economic opportunities for young people.

Himachal Pradesh has significant potential in forestry, agriculture and horticulture, he said, while its medical and technical institutions could also contribute to developing skilled manpower.

Universities have been asked to prepare programmes within 10 days outlining initiatives they could implement over the following 100 days. The plans would subsequently be converted into concrete action, Gupta said.

He expressed confidence that the initiative would contribute to the broader objective of building a developed India by creating opportunities for the state’s youth and making better use of local resources.

Roadmap for Youth Initiatives

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day address and his emphasis on Generation Z and educational initiatives such as free coaching, Gupta said universities had already been asked to formulate a roadmap.

He said the focus would remain on equipping young people with opportunities and skills that could help them build sustainable livelihoods.

The governor also commented on the controversy surrounding RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s visit to the United States and criticism from the US Commission on International Religious Freedom.

Defending the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Gupta said the organisation focused on nationalism and argued that there was nothing wrong with speaking about one’s own country.