Uttarakhand

• 17 May 2022

Sudden Increase in Water Level of Alaknanda Due to Melting of Glaciers

Why in News

• On May 16, 2022, due to the melting of glaciers in the catchment area of Alaknanda river in Chamoli district, the water level of the river suddenly increased, raising concerns about a new disaster in the district.

Key Points

• Considering the seriousness of the situation, an alert has been issued and SDRF teams have been deployed at the ghats along with the removal of people from the ghats.
• It may be recalled that in February last year, a massive flash flood was witnessed in the Dhauli Ganga and Alaknanda rivers due to the breaking of a glacier in the Tapovan-Raini area of Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, causing severe damage to the Rishiganga power project.
• The rapid melting of glaciers at Satopanth and Alkapuri Bank is responsible for the rise in the water level of the Alaknanda river.
• Alaknanda is one of the two main streams of the Ganga. In fact, the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers are jointly known as Ganga after meeting at Devprayag.
• Alaknanda originates from the Satopanth glacier. Its major tributaries include Dhauliganga, Nandakini, Pindar etc.