International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), NP

The Himalaya proper is commonly defined as the rugged arc between the Tibetan Plateau and the Ganges Plain stretching from the Indus River in the northwest to the great bend of the Brahmaputra River (Yarlung Tsangpo) in the east. The natural and cultural wealth of the HKH region is as overwhelming as its scenic beauty. The same holds true for the region’s enormous ecosystem services underpinning the livelihoods, food security and energy provision of a substantial part of the world’s human population in the region itself and downstream along the numerous major rivers originating in it.

This report is a systematic and comprehensive study of the status of glacial lakes in Nepal and an assessment of the hazard they pose and of the vulnerability of downstream people and property. The report concludes by proposing some preliminary steps for development of a national strategy for response to the hazard, and emphasizing the need for applying the experience obtained towards initiation of a region-wide international response.