North East

IIT Guwahati Develops System to Predict Glacial Lake Formation in Eastern Himalayas

• 27 Jan 2026

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have developed an advanced predictive system to identify potential glacial lake formation in the Eastern Himalayas. The study has pinpointed 492 locations where new lakes could emerge as glaciers continue to retreat.

The framework combines high-resolution Google Earth imagery with digital elevation models to map terrain features and account for uncertainties, making predictions more accurate and operationally useful.

According to the research team, the system can play a crucial role in disaster-risk management, infrastructure planning, and long-term water resource management in fragile high-mountain regions. By flagging high-risk zones in advance, the model can support early-warning systems for Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and help authorities make safer decisions regarding roads, hydropower projects, and human settlements.

This development marks a significant step toward mitigating climate-related hazards in one of the world’s most sensitive mountain regions.