Questions
Q1. What is Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF)? Discuss GLOF mitigation strategy in Himalayan region with reference to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines. (150 words) 10 marks
Q2. Why is the new draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) 2020 being criticized as a regressive departure from the 2006 version that it seeks to replace? (150 words) 10 marks
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Model Solutions
Q1. What is Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF)? Discuss GLOF mitigation strategy in Himalayan region with reference to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines. (150 words) 10 marks
Model Structure
Introduction:
- Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) is a catastrophic flood created when water dammed by a glacier or a moraine is released suddenly.
- This sudden discharge of a large volume of water and debris causes floods in downstream regions.
Main Body:
- The GLOFs have three major characteristics:
- There is sudden release of water and sometimes this might be cyclic in nature, with multiple events of release of water.
- GLOFs are generally rapid events. They can last over a few hours. But they can also extend over a few days.
- GLOFs result in large downstream discharge in the river, making it more erosive and destructive along its course.
- The NDMA has given guidelines in this regard are:
- A robust hazard and risk mapping: A comprehensive assessment framework with help of satellite observations, field study etc.
- Monitoring, risk reduction and mitigation measures: Measures like lowering of lake level, artificial drainage channel, protective structure (e.g. deflection dams), early warning system and institutional setup to bring on board local knowledge.
- Awareness and preparedness: Short-term steps like posters, wall paintings, apps and SMS based alerts and long-term measures like national awareness campaigns in schools.
- Capacity Development: Information and capacity development for local emergency operation centers, workshops and mutual exchange of expertise among professionals working in related areas.
- Disaster response: A multi-stakeholder approach with focus on first-order response actions like-
- Search, rescue and emergency relief involving local communities is required.
- Research and development: Repeated monitoring using advanced space-borne and terrestrial technology like radar-based systems.
- Regulation and enforcement: Necessary modification to model town and country planning bye-laws, implementation of national building code 2016, and guidelines for land use zoning are required for the disaster risk reduction.
Conclusion:
- Given the expectation of increased frequency of GLOFs in future, there is urgent requirement to follow the NDMA guideline and implement “Comprehensive National GLOF Mitigation Project '' recommended by the NDMA.
Q2. Why is the new draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) 2020 being criticized as a regressive departure from the 2006 version that it seeks to replace? (150 words) 10 marks
Model Structure
Introduction:
- EIA is an anticipatory environment management tool which predicts environmental, social and economic impacts of a project and seeks to mitigate their adverse impacts.
Main Body:
- The new draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) 2020 is being criticized as a regressive departure from the 2006 version that it seeks to replace due to:
Conclusion:
- Public participation is crucial in the EIA process, it has helped communities to not only access information about the projects, but also to speak about their concerns.
- It is important to consult multiple stakeholders and make necessary amendments before going ahead with the proposed draft.