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Himachal Pradesh has achieved a milestone in strengthening disaster preparedness with the successful field implementation of a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) Early Warning System at Geepang Gath Glacier, located at an altitude of approximately 4,100 metres in Lahaul-Spiti district.
Pushpendra Rana, Special Secretary, Disaster Management, said the initiative marked an important step towards shifting from reactive disaster response to proactive, science-based risk monitoring and early warning mechanisms in the Himalayan region. Rana said,The deployment of monitoring equipment in the challenging high-altitude terrain and harsh weather conditions reflected the commitment and coordinated efforts of scientific institutions, technical experts, district administration, disaster response teams and field personnel. Rana further emphasised that with climate change accelerating glacier retreat and increasing the risks associated with glacial lakes, real-time monitoring and early warning systems had become increasingly important for protecting vulnerable Himalayan communities. He also appreciated the collective efforts of all agencies involved in successfully implementing the system, describing the initiative as a crucial step towards strengthening the states capacity to monitor glacial hazards and respond to potential disasters. The Geepang Gath initiative is expected to contribute to the development of a comprehensive GLOF monitoring and early warning network across Himachal Pradesh. The objective is to ensure that scientific monitoring leads to timely warnings, effective preparedness at the local level and a coordinated response to emerging threats. Rana said,The ultimate priority was to translate technological and scientific advancements into practical disaster management measures to protect human lives, property and livelihoods in the ecologically fragile Himalayan region. The successful deployment of the system assumes significance as Himalayan communities remain vulnerable to glacial hazards, underscoring the need for stronger monitoring infrastructure, improved warning mechanisms and coordinated disaster preparedness. Earlier in August, a hands-on disaster preparedness and emergency response training programme was conducted at Government Senior Secondary School, Sanjauli, Shimla, as part of the ongoing School Safety and Preparedness Programme being implemented by the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA). The programme was organised under the guidance of Pushpendra Rana, Director-cum-Special Secretary (Revenue, Disaster Management), Government of Himachal Pradesh. (ANI)
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