Download Field Survey of Vulnerable Glacial Lakes in Kangchenjunga

Field Survey of Vulnerable Glacial Lakes in Kangchenjunga
Conservation Area
Report Submitted by
The Small Earth Nepal
P.O. Box: 20533 | Naya Baneshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal
Report Submitted to
WWF Nepal
P.O. Box: 7660 | Baluwatar, Kathmandu, Nepal
i
Table of Contents
CHAPTER I................................................................................................................................1
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1Background................................................................................................................................. 1
1.1.1 Climate Change and its connection with GLOF events ............................................................ 1
1.1.2 Climate Change in Nepal......................................................................................................... 2
1.2 Objective ................................................................................................................................... 3
1.3 Scope of the Study ..................................................................................................................... 3
CHAPTER: II .............................................................................................................................4
Literature Review ................................................................................................................................ 4
CHAPTER III .............................................................................................................................6
Material and Methods .......................................................................................................................... 6
3.1 Desk study ................................................................................................................................. 6
3.2 Field study ................................................................................................................................. 6
CHAPTER IV .............................................................................................................................8
Study Area .......................................................................................................................................... 8
4.1 Kangchenjunga Conservation Area: A brief................................................................................ 8
4.2 Vegetation ................................................................................................................................. 9
4.3 Topography ............................................................................................................................... 9
4.4 Climate ...................................................................................................................................... 9
4.5 Demography ............................................................................................................................ 11
4.6 Socio-economy ........................................................................................................................ 11
CHAPTER: V ...........................................................................................................................12
Result ................................................................................................................................................ 12
5.1. Glacial Lakes in Kangchenjunga Conservation Area................................................................ 12
5.2 Factor affecting Glacial Lake Outburst Flood hazard ................................................................ 14
5.3 Vulnerability Assessment of GLOF hazard............................................................................... 18
A Case Study of Tiptala Glacial Lake Outburst Flood .................................................................... 23
5.4 Risk management strategies ..................................................................................................... 25
ii
CHAPTER: VI .......................................................................................................................... 26
Conclusion and Recommendation ...................................................................................................... 26
6.1 Conclusion: .............................................................................................................................. 26
6.2 Potential adaptation measures................................................................................................... 26
Reference .................................................................................................................................. 28
Annex I Photographs ................................................................................................................. 31
Annex II: Community consultation map ....................................................................................33
Annex III Data Collection tools .................................................................................................33
iii
CHAPTER I
Introduction
1.1Background
1.1.1 Climate Change and its connection with GLOF events
Climate Change is becoming one of the major threats to the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. It is
impacting in all sectors mainly fresh water, forest, biodiversity and species. Glaciers of the
Himalayas are retreating at faster rate resulting to formation of glacial lakes which may lead into
disastrous events like Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) and natural hazards making local
people and biodiversity in great threat from its impact. However, we still do not have a clear idea
of its impacts in Himalayas in general and Kangchenjunga Conservation Area (KCA) in
particular, where the landscape is dominated by high mountain peaks and one of the longest nonpolar glaciers on Earth, serving as an important watershed for eastern Nepal and India.
It is generally accepted that many glaciers throughout the world including Nepal are thinning as
a result of climate warming and change in precipitation pattern. Over the past few decades,
human activity has significantly altered the atmospheric composition, leading to climate change
of an unprecedented character (WHO/WMO/ENEP, 2003). The global climate is changing and it
is predicted that by 2100, the earth’s average temperature will be raised by 1.1 to 6.4 °C (IPCC,
2007). This climate change may also be reflected in the glacial environment; some measurements
indicate that Himalayan glaciers have been retreating at an increased rate since 1997
(Bajracharya et al., 2006). Some studies fear that if the glaciers retreat in this way all mountains
glaciers will be disappeared by 2100 (WWF, 2005).
For the global average, warming in the last century has occurred in two phases, from the 1910s
to the 1940s (0.35°C), and more strongly from the 1970s to the present (0.55°C) (IPCC 2007).
An increasing rate of warming has taken place over the last 25 years, and 11 of the 12 warmest
years on record since 1850s have occurred in the past 12 years (1995-2006). The IPCC has
reported that the overall observed surface air temperature in Asia has increased by approximately
1-30C over the last century from 1906 to 2005 (Cruz et al., 2007).
1
1.1.2 Climate Change in Nepal
The annual mean temperature of Nepal is increasing steadily at a linear rate of 0.4°C per decade
from 1975 to 2005 (Baidya et al., 2007). ICIMOD (2007) stated the temperature rise in Nepal
within a range of 0.2-0.6oC per decade between 1951 and 2001 particularly during autumn and
winter. This rate is much higher compared to the global temperature rise of 0.74oC in the last 100
years (1906 to 2005) and 0.6oC in the last 30 years (1976 to 2005). Warming trends of the
maximum temperature are ranging from 0.068-0.128°C per year in most of the middle Mountain
and Himalayan regions of Nepal, while southern plain regions show warming trends with less
than 0.038°C per annum (Shrestha et al., 1999).
A study carried out by Sano et al. (2005) in Humla, on tree rings of Abies spectabilis shows a
warming trend from 1750s until approximately 1790, followed by cooling until 1810, then by a
gradual warming trend extending to 1950, and a notable cold period continuing up to the present
showing no evidence of a consistent warming trend over the last century or two commonly
appearing in higher latitudes in Nepal. However, they present the argument that the possible
factor behind the glacial retreat in the Nepal Himalayas was the warming winter (Cook et al.
2003; Hingane et al., 1985 in Sano et al., 2005).
Mean annual temperature for Nepal is projected to increase by 1.3 - 3.8°C by the 2060s, and 1.8 5.8°C by the 2090s with range of projections under any one emissions scenario is 1.5 - 2°C by
2090s (UNDP, 2007). It also projects some increase in the frequency of hot days (11-28%) and
nights (18-28%), and considerable decreases in the frequency of cold days and nights.
Since 1850 a retreat of the Himalayan glaciers are detected. The temperature measured at 49
stations in the Himalayan region showed an increase of 1°C from 1950 to 1970. The normal
global warming was about 0.6°C (WWF, 2005). The glacier length decreased between 30 and 60
meters during 1970 to 1989 in the Himalayan region.
Many studies have shown that the glaciers in the Nepalese Himalayas are shrinking at rather
faster rates (Shrestha et al. 2004, Yamada et al.; 1992, Fujita et al.; 2001a, Fujita et al. 2001b).
2
Limited studies based on satellite records indicate that northern hemisphere annual snow cover
extent has decreased by about 10% since 1996 over both the Eurasian and American continents
(Shrestha & Joshi, 2009).
Melting of glaciers along with forming of new glacial lakes and extending of existing lakes are
taken as indicators of climate change. The Nepal Himalaya has 3252 glaciers and 2323 glacial
lakes above 3500 masl. They cover an area of 5323km² with an estimated ice of 481 km³.
Among the 2325 glacial lakes in Nepal, 20 of them are potentially dangerous of bursting and 2 of
them are in Tamor basin in KCA (Mool et al, 2001a; Mool et al, 2001b).
1.2 Objective
The general objective of the study was to undertake participatory vulnerability assessment (PVA)
of glacial lakes and map at-risk glacial lakes in KCA.
The specific objectives were to:
1. Identify the glacial lakes and their location and prepare GIS map of the glacial lakes in
the Kangchenjunga Conservation Area.
2. Assess the vulnerability of the glacial lakes to the downstream community within the
KCA
3. Identify appropriate actions including community coping strategies to reduce the risk
form glacial lakes in the region
1.3 Scope of the Study
This study was conducted within the Kangchenjunga Conservation Area. Remote sensing data
from Google Earth were used to identify the lakes and field visit was carried out to verify them.
In the field, PVA was adopted to identify the community at risk and potential impacts of GLOF
events and potential adaptive measures. Only one glacial lake in the area, Tiptala Lake at
Olangchungola VDC, was visited during the field work in June 2011.
3
CHAPTER: II
Literature Review
ICIMOD (2010) conducted a study for the potential risk of a glacial lake outburst flood in
Nepal. They found that TshoRolpa, Imja, Thulagi, Lumding, Lower Barun, West Chamjang are
potentially dangerous glacial lakes in Nepal. The downstream flood risk and the vulnerability
were assessed with mapping of the lakes in the three river basins in the Nepalese Himalaya. Imja
(DudhKoshi basin), TshoRolpa (TanaKoshi basin), Thulagi (Marshyangdi basin) were studied in
detail.
WWF (2010b.) gives some monitoring examples and shows the impact of climate change in the
Himalaya Region. The Eastern Himalaya shows a glacial coverage of 33 km² and a volume of
481 km³ (UNEP/ICIMOD, 2001). The study highlights the importance of glacier water for the
people downstream. WWF also supposes that a total melting of the glacier would create a
shortage of water in Ganga during the period from July to September. This would affect around
500 million people living downstream.
WWF (2009) conducted GLOF risk assessment in Bhutan. In 1994, the GLOF of the Thorthormi
Tsho Lake in Bhutan took 20 lives and a power facility in the valley. WWF fears that a repetition
of such an event would destroy more than the half of the livestock and crops of Punakha und
Wangdi and erase the historic monuments of the valley.
CDHM/TU and WWF (2008) undertook a study on hydrological and meteorological issues of
the Khumbu region to identify the effects of climate change. It has been mentioned that 33 to 89
moraine dammed glacial lakes were created between 1960 and 2000. The volume of existing
lakes, such as Imja, has also increased. The study showed that at 50% lake volume outburst, a
peak discharge of 4757 m3/s is estimated for Imja Lake at its outlet. The total glacier lake area
has grown from 2.291 km² to 7.254 km² and the Imja Glacial Lake has increased from 28 Mio m³
to 35.8 Mio m³ from 1992 to 2002. The calculation in this study shows that the GLOF of the
Imja Lake would be attenuated after 25 to 38 km. This would affect Phakin and Larja Dabhan.
4
UNESCO (2006) studied the effect of climate change on World Heritages. In this context, the
case of the glacial lake Tsho Rolpa in the Sagarmatha National Park was mentioned as a success
story of managing the effects of climate change. The Tsho Rolpa glacial lake project was held
between 1998 and 2002. The result was a reduction of the lake water level by 3 meter. The study
indicates some technical information about the lake properties. The volume of the Tsho Rolpa
glacial lake was 90 to 100 million m³ held by a 150 m high moraine dam. One third of the
volume could potentially outflow from the lake. Downstream a hydropower plant (Khimti
hydropower) of 60 MW was in danger. Additionally to the reduction of the lake level, a gate to
release water and an early warning system for 19 villages were installed. The estimated risks
reduction is about 20%.
WWF (2005) investigated the status of glacier, glacier retreat and its subsequent impacts in
Nepal, India and China. It emphasized that the nineteenths was the hottest decade and 1998 the
hottest year of millennium. ASTER shows that the 200 observed mountain glaciers have globally
reduced by 6000 to 8000 km³ between 1961 and 1990.
OECD (2003) studied the effects of climate change on development in Nepal with a focus on
water resources and hydropower. The study predicts a warming of 1.2°C between 2003 and 2050
and of 3°C between 2003 and 2100. It tried to connect development with environment interests.
If, for example, a dam is constructed, the economy profits but the local population becomes more
vulnerable to GLOF and the environment balance is damaged. This example shows the
importance of a case by case decision-making of certain constructions. The negotiations of
climate change impacts shouldn't stop at the boundaries as it concerns everyone.
5
CHAPTER III
Material and Methods
This study followed the UNEP and IPCC guidelines. It was comprised in three main parts: desk
study (RS/GIS analysis, secondary data collection, literature survey, pre-field preparation, and
analysis and reporting), field visit (comprehensive environment and socio-economic survey and
PVA exercises) and analysis of data.
3.1 Desk study
Available literatures, research reports and topographic maps were studied in depth and a field
visit plan was made on the basis of the literature review. The literature included published and
unpublished research reports, annual reports of KCAP, university researches and other related
books and booklets. Google Earth software was used to pre-identify and locate the lakes in the
region.
Secondary Data: Climate data were collected from DHM (Department of Hydrology and
Meteorology); Topographic maps from the Survey Department; Socio-economic data from
Central Bureau of Statistics; Relevant literatures were collected for the supplementary
information and data.
3.2 Field study
Field verification was done in June 2011 in the KCA for taking the GPS location and to identify
one of the existing glacial lakes in the region. GIS software was used to prepare the map of the
glacial lakes in the region on the basis of GPS points and available maps.
The following steps were followed to assess the vulnerability and to identify potential actions to
reduce risk form the glacial lakes:
1. Assessment of exposure of system
2. Identification of hazards related with glacial lake
3. Assessment of hazard impact related with GLOF
4. Identification of appropriate actions to reduce the risk form glacial lakes
6
Questionnaire survey, Key informant interview and Participatory Vulnerability Assessment
techniques were used to identify the level of community vulnerability with the glacial lakes in
the region. PVA is considered to be effective tool for climate change impact studies and for
developing adaptation strategies. PVA involves the use of secondary data followed by focus
group discussion, problem trees, historical profiling, concept mapping, and Venn diagrams
in order to gather real time data. All collected data and information were analyzed using
qualitative data analysis techniques. Data from respondents were fed into the computer software
programs – SPSS and MS Excel.
Questionnaire Survey: A set of semi-structured questionnaire were prepared on the basis of
desk study. The questionnaire included the potential risks from the glaciers and GLOF events
and their alternative ways for reducing the impacts of the GLOFs. Three clusters of villages were
chosen for the questionnaire survey - Yamphudin, Ghunsa and Olanchungola.
Key Informant Interview (KII): Key informants - community leaders, hotel entrepreneurs,
school teachers and glaciologists were interviewed. the previous and present conditions of the
glaciers, and formation of glacial lakes were identified.
Focus Group Discussion (FGD): Three focus group discussions were conducted among
different professional groups, they were: Tourism entrepreneurs, farmers and livestock herders.
A FGD moderator’s guideline had been prepared for the discussion.
7
CHAPTER IV
Study Area
4.1 Kangchenjunga Conservation Area: A brief
Kangchenjunga Conservation Area (KCA), named after Mt. Kangchenjunga (8,586 m) – the
second highest mountain in Nepal and the third highest in the world, is situated in the district of
Taplejung in north-east corner of Nepal within 27o30’ – 28o00’N and 87o45’ – 88o15’E (Fig:
4.1).
Fig: 4.1: Location Map of the Study Area
8
Kangchenjunga was designated as a conservation area in March 1998 by the government of
Nepal. It covers an area of 2035 km² (DNPWC, 2011). Taplejung district is also renowned for
high peaks and glaciers. The conservation area with unique mountain ecosystems is envisioned
as a tri-national peace park with Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) of China to the north and
Sikkim, India, in the east. Sikkim already has Khanchenzonga National Park adjoining KCA
whereas the extension of Qomolungma Nature Reserve in TAR, to cover the land bordering
KCA, is in progress.
4.2 Vegetation
The KCA can be divided in four vegetation regions: Subtropical Evergreen Forest, 800-1.200 m,
Lower Temperate Forest, 2.500 - 3.900 m, Subalpine Zone, 3.500 - 3.900 m, Alpine Zone, 3.900
- 4.600m. The KCA is a part of the cultural world heritage and hosts more than 250 species of
birds and other endangered wildlife (ICIMOD, 2010).
The area represents high mountain physiographic regions with 65% of its area covered by rocks
and ice. The remaining 35% is covered by forests (14.1%), shrub land (10.1%), grassland (9.2%)
and agricultural land (1.6%). The area is well known for its three river valleys: the Simbua
Khola, the Ghunsa and the Tamor valleys (ICIMOD, 2011).
The IPCC also warns of a completely retreat of glaciers have a major impact also for the
diversity of species; some scenarios predict 60% of species loses in Europe (IPCC, 2007).
4.3 Topography
The topography of the area is hilly to mountainous. The elevation ranges from around 1000 m to
the third highest peak with 8,585 m.
4.4 Climate
The climate of the area ranges sub-tropical to temperate with high altitudinal variations. As of
the national scenario, more than 80% rainfall occurs in Monsoon season (June-September) and
July is the highest rainfall occurring month with average value of 525.71 mm. January is the least
rainfall month with an average value of 17.50 mm as shown in figure 4.2 below:
9
Fig: 4.2: Monthly mean rainfall of the study area.
The average temperature at the Taplejung station shows that July is the warmest month with an
average temperature of 21.15°C and January is the coldest month with an average temperature of
8.97°C as shown in figure 4.3 below:
Fig: 4.3: Monthly mean temperature of the study area.
10
4.5 Demography
The KCA hosts 5,000 inhabitants. Because of its mountainous the population density is low with
38.47 person/km² compared to the national average of 157 person/ km². But, the population
density is increasing since 1981 (CBS, 2008). Only 1.6% of the soil is used for agricultural
proposes, but, the most people depends on agriculture performance. The others are highly
involved in tourisn for their livelihood.
Three ethnic groups are represented in the KCA, namely Limbu (48%), Sherpa (25%) and Rai
(27%). The education rate is very low; only 50% of the male adult population has attended
school, whereas women even less (20%) (WWF, 2010).
4.6 Socio-economy
In KCA has faced some significant changes in people wellbeing, livelihoods strategy, issues and
practices compared with the situation in 1998. Principal change was observed in the livelihoods
strategy. In 1996, 83% of the agriculture income was due to shifting cultivation (Bhasme). In
2007, only 49% of the income came from the shifting cultivation, this indicates a change in the
agro-based livelihood practices towards modern techniques (WWF, 2008).
11
CHAPTER: V
Result
5.1. Glacial Lakes in Kangchenjunga Conservation Area
The inventory survey of glacial lakes in Kangchenjunga Conservation Area was undertaken in
June 2011 through remote sensing technique using Google Earth software. A total of 103
individual glacial lakes with total area of 3.4567 sq. km were identified in the KCA (Fig: 5.1,
Table 5.1 and Annex1).
Fig: 5.1: Glacial lakes in Kangchenjunga Conservation Area
12
Number of glacial lakes
103
Total area covered by the lakes
3.4567 km2
Maximum area of a lake
0.6808 km2
Minimum area of a lake
0.00003 km2
Total area of the KCA
2035 km2
% of area covered by the glacial lakes
0.16
Number of lakes with area more than 0.1 km2
7
Table 5.1: Summary of glacial lakes in KCA
The majority of lakes were found very small in size. Seven glacial lakes with an area of more
than 0.1 sq. km were found (Fig: 5.2)
Fig.: 5.2: Glacial lakes with area of more than 0.1 sq. km.
13
5.2 Factor affecting Glacial Lake Outburst Flood hazard
5.2.1 Climate Change and Climate Variability in the area
Temperature
Forty seven years (1963-2009) of monthly temperature data of the Taplejung synoptic station
were taken from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) for climate change
analysis. The result shows that the maximum temperature of the area is increasing with the rate
of 0.029°C per year (statistically significant at 99% level of significance). The maximum
temperature trend has been shown in figure 5.3 below:
Fig.: 5.3: Maximum temperature trend of the area.
The variation of maximum temperature in the region has been shown in table 5.2
Table 5.2: Variation of maximum temperature in the region
1963-1975
20.3
Average temperature (°C)
0.435017
Standard Deviation (°C)
Coefficient of Variation ( %) 2.146813
1976-1990
20.2
0.288033
1.423116
1990-2009
20.9
0.6
2.89783
The average mean temperature of the region is also increasing at the rate of 0.017°C per year
(statistically significant at 99% level of confidence). The average temperature trend has been
shown in figure 5.4.
14
Fig.: 5.4: Temperature trend of the area
The variation of average temperature in the region has been shown in the table 5.3 below.
Table 5.3: Variation of maximum temperature in the region
Average temperature (°C)
Standard Deviation (°C)
Coefficient of Variation (%)
1963-1975
1976-1990 1990-2009
15.7
0.251939
1.600145
15.8
0.255894
1.620036
16.2
0.5
2.977857
Rainfall:
The rainfall data analysis from Lungthung station of Taplejung shows that there is not significant
change in total amount of rainfall as shown in fig 5.5
15
Fig.: 5.5: Rainfall trend of Lunthung.
The rainfall variability in different time intervals has been shown in table 5.4
Table 5.4: Variation annual rainfall in the region
Average annual rainfall (mm)
Standard Deviation (mm)
Coefficient of variation (%)
1948-1968
2196.623
384.615
17.50938
1969-1988
2223.045
377.7071
16.99053
1989-2009
2321.071
357.3745
15.39696
Seasonal analysis of the rainfall data also shows that there is no significant change in rainfall
amount in
monsoon
and winter
season as
shown in
figure 5.6.
Fig.: 5.6: Variation in monsoon and winter of Lunthung station.
The rainfall data analysis from the Tapethok station shows that the rainfall in increasing slightly
which is significant at 99% level of confidence as shown in figure 5.7. The winter rainfall has no
change while there is significant change in monsoon rainfall.
16
Fig.: 5.7: Rainfall variation in monsoon and winter of Tapethok station.
17
5.3 Vulnerability Assessment of GLOF hazard
5.3.1Potential impacts of GLOF in the area
Sweeping out of settlement
Most of the settlements of the KCA area are situated in the river corridor (Fig: 5.8, Table: 5.5).
The slope of the area is very steep near the river corridor so the houses are very much vulnerable
to GLOF events. The geology of Olangchungola area is very much fragile so small bank cutting
from the river may cause devastating impacts to the settlement there in.
Impacts: The impact may cause migration which affects the demographic setting of the area
disturbing the distribution of natural resources of the area. People get difficulty to be adjusted to
the new location if migrated.
Fig.: 5.8: Glacial lakes with settlement in study area.
18
Table 5.5: Households in Risk
Village
Ghunsa
Phale
Gyabla
Amjilosha
Sekathum
Sotlima
Mauma
Olangchungola
Yangma
Ramtang
Lonak
Tapethok
Tamewa
Chhiruwa
Total
Number of Households
43
26
16
6
28
11
5
60
15
8
12
15
8
20
273
Impacts on cultivation land
Being in hilly regions, the cultivable land mainly paddy and cardamom fields are along the
corridor of the Tamor River (Figure 5.9). If the GLOF event occurs, the land could be partially
and completely destroyed either by inundation, sweeping away or by depositing boulders on
cultivated land.
Impacts: This might cause food insecurity leading to famine in the region. Agriculture is one of
the major professions of the people so the destruction of farmland may also lead to the problem
of unemployment.
19
Fig.: 5.9: Glacial lakes with land cover in the study area.
Destruction of Livestock
Yak, chauri, cow and sheep farming are a major source of income of the people in the area.
There is roughly 4000 yaks and chauris in the Kanchanjungha area and ghee, chhurpi, cheese etc.
are major dairy products. Their major habitat is along the river corridor so are vulnerable to the
GLOF event. Moreover, the productive grazing lands in the area are frequently destructed with
flooding.
20
Destruction of foot-trail
Most of the foot-trails in the region are along the river corridor so they are highly vulnerable to
GLOF events (Figure 5.10). The trekking trails from Taplejung headquarters to Olangchungola
and to the Kanchanjungha base camp are along the Tamor and Ghunsa rivers respectively. There
are altogether 19 bridges (14 over Tamor River and 5 over Ghunsa River). The flooding after
GLOF event could sweep away the bridges across the rivers.
Impacts: If the trails are destructed, there will be detachment of the upstream settlement to the
headquarters. The nearest market of the people living in the study area is Taplejug bazaar.
Therefore, there might be price hike of basic commodity if the road network is disconnected.
Destruction of road networks may impacts on tourist, a major income generating activity of the
people especially towards the base camp.
Fig.: 5.10: Glacial lakes with foot trail in the study area.
Destruction of Infrastructures
The GLOF may affect a health-post, police bit and other social service infrastructures at
Olangchugola and Tapethok (Table 5.4). The flooding may cause severe damage to people and
may leave with injuries. These areas, however, being in very remote places, have limited basic
health facilities. The GLOF event may cause outbreak of diseases and malnutrition problems.
21
Table 5.4: Infrastructures at Risk
What
Sub-health posts
Police bit
Telephone
Hydropower
Bridges
How many
2 (Olangchungola and Tapethok)
1 (Tapethok)
All at Olangchungola, Ghunsa and Tapethok
4 (2 existing and 2 proposed)
19 (14 in Tamor River and 5 in Ghunsa River)
Religions and cultural impacts
Mountainous region has pocket culture practiced over a long time period. Especially Sperpa
culture in the region could be disappeared if the GLOF event disturbs the settlements. The Likhi
Chhoring Monastery at Olanchungola village is renowned for ancient sculptures of Buddha
which was established in the 16th century. There are lots of Buddhist epics which are almost rare.
The monastery may also be affected with the GLOF event if the flooding is of very high in
magnitude.
Table 5.4: Monasteries at Risk
Where
Phale
Ghunsa
Yangma
Olangchungola
Tamewa
Gyabla
Total
How many
4
2
1
1
1
1
10
Impacts on natural resources
Natural resources like biodiversity, forest, sources of drinking water could be severely affected
with GLOF events. Wild animals dependent on the forest may be disrupted with the loss of
forest. The area is well recognized for pocket of major medicinal herbs.
22
5.3.2 Major past extreme flooding events
When
What
Impacts
1922
Bursting of Lanak Lake
Sweeping away of settlements and destruction to road
network
1964
Bursting of Tiptala Lake
Sweeping away of settlements, destruction of cultivable
lands
1972
Flooding in Simwa River
Loss of fertile land and sweeping of livestock.
23 June 1980
Bursting of Nangama Lake
Sweeping away of settlements, destruction of cultivable
lands
A Case Study of Tiptala Glacial Lake Outburst Flood
Tiptala is a glacial lake situated in Taplejung district. It was named after Tintala (in Nepali: three
stairs) as it lies just in the shape of three stairs of land geography.
Location
The Tiptala glacial lake (87°45’55”E & 27°48’42”N) is situated at Olangchungola VDC in
Kanchanjungha Conservation Area (KCA). The lake is very close to Nepal-China boarder and
situated at an altitude of 4982 m from the sea level.
GLOF history
The Tiptala Lake had burst in January of 1964 and its impressions are still visible along the
Tamor River. The flood after bursting the Lake was with high discharge and being with high
gradient, it swept away lots of lives and property. Trekking trail from Olangchungola village to
China boarder was completed disrupted by the flood. The houses in lower belt of the
Olangchungola village were swept away and the village is still vulnerable to landslide because of
the bank cutting. The destruction to the settlement remained for 7 years after the GLOF events
and still the area is fragile so at any time the houses may fall. It also destroyed livestock and
cultivated land.
23
Present condition
The area of the Tiptala Lake is 167,020 square meters which is fed with water from the Tiptala
glacier. The lake is very large in size and is dammed by a fragile moraine. The lake is surrounded
by large dam of 100 m height. The water discharge from the outlet is sufficient and large
boulders in the downstream flow are evidences of the bursting of the lake in past. The level of
water in the lake is increasing these days. The lake is dangerous of re-bursting as snow avalanche
may trigger the bursting.
Potential Impacts
Several landslides along the course of Tamor River are visible clearly and the area can be
interpreted as more vulnerable to landslide. If the lake bursts, the Olangchungola village is at
high risk. The trekking trail from Lelep to China boarder will be disrupted which disconnect the
local people from nearest market for selling their products like ghee and other dairy products and
buying daily necessary needs. The foot trail also connects Olangchungola to Mauma where local
people live during livestock grazing. Cultivated land along the course of river will be swept
away. It may affect to hydropower plants, which are in planning stage one in Olangchungola area
and the other at Tapethok (Sanima Hydropower).
Potential adaptation measures
There is a need of alternative trekking trail from Olagchungola to Tiptala so that if the existing
trail is destructed, people can be connected with China, the nearest market. Bridges across the
river should be constructed with detailed study of the glacial lake. The sub health post at the
Olangchungola village should be well equipped with emergency medicines and medical
practitioners.
Awareness program at the Olangchungola village sensitize the local people regarding the GLOF
event and how to cope with the event.
Local youth women groups should be trained with first aid and emergency rescue operation as
well.
The existing telephone connection in the Olangchungola village should have dual battery
charging system from solar power and locally generated electricity so that if one is destroyed
24
then another works. People are willing to have mobile cell phones, they could be an effective
communication in emergency.
There is a feasibility of livestock insurance mechanism with a detailed study.
Periodic shifting of people from the area from July to October may be an option to save the life
of people.
5.4 Risk management strategies
5.4.1 Mitigation Measures
otential Glacial Lake Outburst Flood hazards can be minimized by various measures.. The
primary objective should be to reduce the risk of a flood from the lake. However, adaptation or
coping measures to protect life and property in the downstream area must also be undertaken. It
is therefore required to have monitoring systems of glacial lake prior to, during, and after the
GLOF, so that settlements in the downstream area are protected against GLOF. Mitigation
measures to effect risk reduction can be structural or non-structural. The structural mitigation
measures should aim at reducing the volume of water in the lake. Reduction of the volume of
water in the lake should reduce the potential peak surge discharge as well as the hydrostatic
pressure exerted on the moraine dam, and is the most effective mitigation measure. There are
different ways to achieve this that can be used alone or in combination:
1. Controlled breaching of the moraine dam
2. Construction of an outlet control structure
3. Pumping or siphoning the water from the lake
4. Tunneling through the moraine barrier or under an ice dam
25
CHAPTER: VI
Conclusion and Recommendation
6.1 Conclusion:
Climate change is affecting every sector and mountainous areas are the most vulnerable with the
impacts of changing climate. It is causing rapid melting of glaciers thereby increasing the
number and size of glacial lakes. Kanchanjenga Conservation Area (KCA) lies in the eastern
mountainous region of Nepal in Taplejung district and covers four Village Development
Committees; Lelep, Olangchungola, Yamphudin and Tapethok. Preliminary remote sensing
study has found that there are approximately one hundred glacial lakes of various sizes in the
area. There are already a couple of Glacial Lakes Outburst Flood (GLOF) events in 1970s whose
evidences are still found, and few more in several decades before. Most of the settlements and
agriculture fields are in river corridors. Fragile geology and steep slopes accelerates landslide in
the region and severe bank cutting triggers it. As per the locals, the frequency of GLOF events is
less, however, when the event occurs, it destroys lives and properties at a large scale and the
recovery period is of several decades.
6.2 Potential adaptation measures
1. Development of Alternative trekking trails
Most of the routes are along the river corridors so alternative foot-trail from throughout the
KCA is necessary. The trail should be far from the river course and landslides.
2. Comprehensive vulnerability Assessment
Comprehensive vulnerability assessment of large glacial lakes in the area is needed. The
assessment includes defining of hazard zonation and safe sites. This helps people to migrate to
the safer zone during the time of GLOF event.
3. Early warning system mechanisms
After the comprehensive vulnerability assessment of glacial lakes in the area, early warning
system to the major settlements such as Olangchungola, Yangma, Ghunsa, Tapethok, Chhiruwa
is necessary. This helps people to migrate towards the safe area if there are any GLOF events.
4. Strengthening communication mechanism
26
In Ghunsa area, there are two types of telephone (landline and V-Sat) but thereis only one
telephone in Olangchungola area which is only one way of charging the battery. The electricity
in the Olangchungola area is generally cut in day-time so there will be no battery in telephone if
the days are cloudy or rainy. So, in Olangchungola, there should be two way charging system
telephone (electricity and solar). People there are willing to have their own cell phone so mobile
tower at Olangchungola area and Ghunsa area.
5. Community empowerment
Local community based organizations like youth clubs, mother groups are recommended to
have intense training of rescue operation in emergency situation. Massive awareness program
has been recommended among the community people.
6. Livestock Insurance
GLOF event in the KCA area is expected to have severe impacts on livestock. Chauri, Yak, cow
and sheep are the major livestock in the area. Livestock insurance mechanism with seed money
from donor agency is recommended. In the insurance system, people having livestock bearing
child deposit certain money in local community group and those people having death of
livestock are provided with certain money for recovery of the loss.
7. Adaptation measure in development
In new developing activities, infrastructures are recommended to construct with detailed
analysis of GLOF vulnerability assessment. Houses should not be constructed in steep slope
areas. Bridges should be constructed with detailed study of hydrology in the area.
8. Periodic shifting
Houses in Olangchungola area are much more vulnerable to GLOF events. So, it is
recommended that the settlement should be shifted periodically (July to September) in another
location and back in other months. The monsoon season is much more vulnerable to GLF
events.
27
Reference
1. Bajracharya, S.R., Mool, P. K., Shrestha, B. R., (2008). Impact of Climate Change on
Himalayan Glaciers and Glacial Lakes, Case Studies on GLOF and Associated Hazards
in Nepal and Bhutan, ICIMOD and UNEP, Kathmandu, Nepal
2. Bajracharya, S.R., Mool, P.K., (2006). Impacts of Global Climate Change from 1970s to
2000s on the Glaciers and Glacial Lakes in Tamor Basin, Eastern Nepal, ICIMOD,
Kathmandu
3. Centeral Bureau of Statistics (2008). Environment Statistics of Nepal, Thapathali,
Kathmandu, Nepal
4. Central Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, Tribhuvan University (2008).
Integrated Study on Hydrology and Meteorology of Khumbu Region with Climate
Change Perspectives: WWF Nepal; Web Page:
http://www.wwfnepal.org/index.cfm?uGlobalSearch=khumbu+report , retrieved on 2
August 2011
5. DNPWC(2011).Conservation Areas; Kangchenjunga Conservation Area, Web Page:
http://www.dnpwc.gov.np/conservation-Kangchenjunga.asp , retrieved on 21 May 2011
6. Fujita, K., Kadota, T., Rana, B., Shrestha, R.B., and Ageta, Y., (2001a). Shrinkage of
Glacier AX010 in Shorong region, Nepal Himalayas in the 1990s, Bulletin of
Glaciological Research, 18: 51-54
7. Fujita, K., Nakajawa, F., and Rana, B., 2001b. Glaciological observation on Rika Samba
Glacier in Hidden Valley, Nepal Himalayas, 1998 and 1999. Bulletin of Glaciological
Research, 18:31-35
8. ICIMOD (2011). Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, Web Page:
http://www.icimod.org/hkhconservationportal/PA.aspx?ID=1, retrieved on 21 May 2011
28
9. ICIMOD. (2010). ICIMOD shares results of glacial lakes studies. Retrieved August 1,
2011, from http://www.icimod.org/?q=1067
10. IPCC, (2007). Climate Change 2007: Synthesis Report, Forth Assessment, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), http://www.ipcc.ch/pdf/assessmentreport/ar4/syr/ar4_syr.pdf (retrieved on 22 May 2011)
11. Joshi, A. S. , & Shrestha, A.B., (2009). Snow Cover and Glacier Change Study in
Nepalese Himalaya Using Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System. Journal
of Hydrology and Meteorology, Society of Hydrologists and Meteorologists-Nepal, 6(1),
26-36.
12. Kattelmann, R., (2003). Glacial Lake Outburst Flood in the Nepal Himalaya: A
Manageable Hazard? Natural Hazards, Vol. 28, pp 145-154
13. Mool, PK; Bajracharya, SR; Joshi, SP (2001a). Inventory of glaciers, glacial lakes, and
glacial lake outburst floods: Monitoring and early warning systems in the Hindu KushHimalayan regions - Nepal. Kathmandu: ICIMOD
14. Mool, PK; Wangda, D; Bajracharya, SR; Kunzang, K; Gurung, DR; Joshi, SP; (2001b).
Inventory of glaciers, glacial lakes, and glacial lake outburst floods: Monitoring and
early warning systems in the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region – Bhutan. Kathmandu:
ICIMOD
15. OECD (2003).Development and Climate Change in Nepal: Focus on Water Resources
and
Hydropower;
Web
Page:
http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/6/51/19742202.pdf,
retrieved on 2 August 2011
16. Shakya, B. (2001). Estimation of main hydrological characteristics of Mountain Rivers of
Nepal, Research Paper, Central Asian Research Hydro-meteorological Institute,
556.535.3
17. Shrestha, A.B., Aryal, R., & Rana, B. (2004). Glacier Fluctuation and Climate Change in
the Nepal Himalaya: A review. Scientific World, 2: 73-77
29
18. Shrestha, A.B., Wake, C.P., Mayewski , P.A., Dibb, J.E. (1999). Maximum temperature
trends in the Himalayas and it’s vicinity: An analysis based on temperature records from
Nepal for the period 1971-1994, Journal of Climate, 12:2767-2775
19. UNEP (1999).Glacial Lake Outburst Monitoring and Early Warning System in Hindu
Kush Himalayas; Shrestha S., Moe T. A., Thailand; Page Web:
http://www.rrcap.unep.org/lc/cd/html/proj7.html , retrieved on 2 August 2011
20. UNESCO (2006). Predicting and Managing the Effects of Climate Change on World
Heritage; London; Page Web:whc.unesco.org/uploads/news/documents/news-262-1.doc,
retrieved on 1 August 2011
21. WHO/WMO/UNEP, (2003). Climate Change and Human Health: Risk and Responses,
Summary, Geneva
22. WWF (2004). WWF January 2004 report; Web Page:
http://www.wwfnepal.org/index.cfm?uGlobalSearch=Kangchenjunga , retrieved on 1
August 2011
23. WWF (2010a.).Shifting Cultivation in the Sacred Himalayan Landscape; A Case Study in
the Kangchenjunga Conservation Area, WWF, Kathmandu, Nepal, p.9-11
24. WWF (2010b.).Monitoring the glaciers of the Himalayas, Nepal; Web Page:
http://wwf.panda.org/who_we_are/wwf_offices/nepal/index.cfm?uProjectID=NP0898 ,
retrieved on 1 August 2011
25. WWF. (2005). An Overview of Glaciers, Glacier Retreat, and Subsequent Impacts in
Nepal.
Retrieved
on
August
2011,
2011,
from
All
publications:
http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/all_publications/?19092/An-Overview-ofGlaciers-Glacier-Retreat-and-Subsequent-Impacts-in-Nepal-India-and-China
26. WWF. (2008). Annual Report 2007-2008. Kathmandu: WWF.
27. Yamada, T. et al. (1992). Fluctuations of the glaciers from the 1970s to 1989 in the
Khumbu, Shorong and Langtang regions, Nepal Himalaya, Bulletin of Glacier Research,
10:11-19
30
Annex I Photographs
Figure 1: Yak farming, the major occupation in mountains
Figure 2: Yak at high altitude
Figure 3: Bridges across the Tamor Tiver
Figure 4: Olangchungola Village
31
Figure 5: Medicinal herb at high altitude
Figure 6: Flood mark in the Tamor River
Figure 7: Tiptala Glacial Lake at 4982 m
Figure 3: Telephone system at Olangchungola village
32
Annex II: Community consultation map
33
Annex III Data Collection tools
Questionnaire for Household Survey
Namaste!
I am……………………….from The Small Earth Nepal and I am here to conduct a research GLOF Risk and
Vulnerability Assessment of Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. I appreciate your kind cooperation in
answering the following questions, which will be very much helpful for further management of the KCA.
The information given by you will totally be confidential and will only be used for this study. Your
participation in this survey is completely voluntary. This interview will take approximately 15 minutes.
May I start?
Yes
No
Lat:
GPS Coordinate
Lon:
HH Number:
VDC Name:……………………….. Date:
dd mm
I. General Information
a. Name (Head of Family):…………………………
b. Cast:…………………………….
c. Gender: Male
Female
d. Address: VDC: ………………….Tole…………………. …………..Ward No.
e. Education: ……………………..
f. Birth Place: ……………………………….
g. If migrated from other place, reason of migration……………………………………
34
yyyy
II. Family Roaster
S.N.
Name
Gender
Age
Education
1=male
Employment
(If any)
2=female
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
9.0
Education level
Illiterate = 0, Literate = 1, Up to SLC = 2, CL/+2 = 3, Bachelors and above = 4
III. Socioeconomic Information
1. What is the major source of income in your family?
a. Agriculture ( ) b. Outside employment ( ) c. Business ( ) d. Daily wages (
Other (specify)……………………………………
) e. Service ( ) f.
If Agriculture, give the followings information:
Types of Land
Upland
Own land
and self
agricultural
practice
With
irrigation
facility
Rain fed
35
Other land
Own land
give to
other for
agricultural
practice
Coast of
one unit of
land
Lower wet land
Bare land
Forest/River/other
(specify)…………
2. How many years are you doing farming for? .............................................
3. For how long the food production is sufficient to your family?
Less than 3
months
3 to 6 months
6 to 9 months
9 to 12
months
More than 12
months
Present
Past
4. On previous year, how much production was there?
Types of crop
Area
Total
production
How
you
Price
much How much you Rate
of
sold/ bought/ Price
production
compare to
10-20 years
ago(D/I/S)
Rice
Maize
Wheat
Barley
Potato
Mustard
Others………..
...
a. Full time (
) b. Part time (
) c. Occasionally (
)
6. What are the major crops you grow in a year? ………………………………….
...........................................................................................................................................
7. Do you have livestock ? Yes
No
If yes, how many?
Cow = ….Buffalo = …Goat = …Poultry = ……Pigs = ….. others (specify).....=.......
8. What is your family’s’ annual income?
……………………………
11. is there any change in the income source since for last 15-20 years?
36
D= Decreasing
5. How
many
I= Increasing
mem
bers
are
engag
ed in
agric
ulture
?
................
................
................
................
Yes
No
if yes how they changed?.............................................................
IV. Risk and vulnerability of GLOF
1. Have you noticed any changes in climatic condition in this area?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………2. Have you noticed any of the following?
(Tick)
a. Increase in glacial lake ( )
b. Retreat of glaciers ( )
c. Flashfloods and landslides ( )
………………………
3. Have you experienced any changes in water availability?
If yes, since
Remarks (water quality and
Yes/No
when
sedimentation etc.)
Increased in river
flows/reliable supply
4. Any serious unfavorable events happened related to climate and weather? If yes, when?
a.
b.
5. What are the major obstacles during these disasters?
………………………………………………………………………………………
6. Please mention loss or damages cause due to disaster?
………………………………………………………………………………………
V.
Adaptive measures
1.
What measures you have undertaken for coping with such changes?
Insurance…………………
Early warning system…….
……………………………
2. Are there any cooperative mechanisms to reduce the impacts?
Community cooperative:
Women Group:
Red-cross:
…………..
3. In your area, is there training/education to climate change and GLOF?
……………………………………………………………………………………………
4. Whether the adaptation measures undertaken are satisfactory or not?
……………………………………………………………………….
5. Do the adaptation measures help to cope with the effects of disaster?
37
Yes (
)
No (
Satisfactory ( )
)
Not satisfactory ( )
5. In your opinion, how can adverse impacts are mitigated/reduced?
………………………………………………………………………………
Thank you for your time and the valuable information!
38
Detailed work plan
Activity
Key Answer
Techniques
Tools use
1. Glacier/
Glacial Lake
Inventory and
Compilation
1. Existing no of glacial
lake of KCA
1. Remote sensing
2. GIS
1. Google Earth
2. Arc GIS
2. Identification of
potential danger glacial
lake (large surface area >2
sq. km??)
3. Growth rate of potential
danger glacial lake
1. Remote sensing
2. GIS
1. Google Earth
2. Arc GIS
1. Remote sensing
2. GIS
1. Google Earth
2. Arc GIS
1. Factor affecting hazard
1. PVA
2. Questionnaire
survey
3. Key informant
interview
1. Hazard Map
2. Hazard Matrix
3. Historical
Profile or Time
Line
4. Questionnaire
survey form
5. Guideline for
KII
2. Level of risk of hazard
1. PVA
2. Questionnaire
survey
3. Key informant
interview
1. Hazard Map
2. Hazard Matrix
3. Historical
Profile or Time
Line
2. GLOF Hazard
Risk Assessment
39
Documents/
Materials Required
1.GIS Data
2.Satellite Image
3.Image from GE
1. GIS Data
2. Satellite Image
3. Image from GE
1. GIS Data
2. Satellite Image
3. Image from GE
1. Topo Map/
Glacial inventory
map
2. Hazard Matrix
form
3. Historical
Profile or Time
Line form
4. Questionnaire
survey form
5. Guideline for
KII
1. Topo Map/
Glacial inventory
map
2. Hazard Matrix
form
3. Historical
Profile or Time
Line form
4. Questionnaire
survey form
5. Guideline for
KII
3. Vulnerability
assessment of
glacial lake
1. factor affecting
(physical) vulnerability
from lake outburst
2. Vulnerability mapping
for lake outburst
3. Assessing aspect of
human vulnerability
4. Risk
management
strategies
(Mitigation/
Adaptation)
1. Action for hazard
reduction
2. Alternative measure of
hazard reduction
3. Vulnerability reduction:
a. VR- by engineering
method
b. VR- by social
method
4. Regional and National
risk reduction strategies
1. PVA
2. Questionnaire
survey
3. Key informant
interview
1. PVA
2. Questionnaire
survey
3. Key informant
interview
1. PVA
2. Questionnaire
survey
3. Key informant
interview
1. PVA
2. Questionnaire
survey
3. Key informant
interview
1. PVA
2. Questionnaire
survey
3. Key informant
interview
1. PVA
2. Questionnaire
survey
3. Key informant
interview
1. PVA
2. National Level
Consultation
Meeting
40
i. Social/
Resource
Mapping
ii. Transect walk
iii. Livelihood
Analysis
iv. Seasonal
Calendar
vi. Problem tree
and Ranking
vii. Institutional
and social
Network Analysis
viii. Key
Informant
Interview:
ix. Focus Group
Discussion:
x. Questionnaire
Interview
1. Topo Map/
Glacial inventory
map
ii. Note taking/
recording device
for transect walk
iii. Livelihood
Analysis
iv. Seasonal
Calendar form
vi. Problem tree
and Ranking form
vii. Institutional
and social
Network Analysis
form
viii. Key
Informant
Interview
guideline
ix. Focus Group
Discussion
guideline:
x. Questionnaire
Interview form
Summary Report
Field Survey of Vulnerable Glacial Lakes in Kangchenjunga Conservation Area
Climate Change is becoming one of the major threats to the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. It is
impacting in all sectors mainly fresh water, forest, biodiversity and species. Glaciers of the
Himalayas are retreating at faster rate resulting to formation of glacial lakes which may lead into
disastrous events like Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) and natural hazards making local
people and biodiversity in great threat from its impact. However, we still do not have a clear idea
of its impacts in Himalayas in general and Kangchenjunga Conservation Area (KCA) in
particular, where the landscape is dominated by high mountain peaks and one of the longest nonpolar glaciers on Earth, serving as an important watershed for eastern Nepal and India.
It is generally accepted that many glaciers throughout the world including Nepal are thinning as
a result of climate warming and change in precipitation pattern. Over the past few decades,
human activity has significantly altered the atmospheric composition, leading to climate change
of an unprecedented character (WHO/WMO/ENEP, 2003). The global climate is changing and it
is predicted that by 2100, the earth’s average temperature will be raised by 1.1 to 6.4 °C (IPCC,
2007). This climate change may also be reflected in the glacial environment; some measurements
indicate that Himalayan glaciers have been retreating at an increased rate since 1997
(Bajracharya et al., 2006). Some studies fears that if the glaciers retreat in this way all mountains
glaciers disappear by 2100 (WWF, 2005).
Kanchanjenga Conservation Area (KCA) lies in the eastern mountainous region of Nepal in
Taplejung district and covers four Village Development Committees; Lelep, Olangchungola,
Yamphudin and Tapethok. Remote sensing study and participatory vulnerability assessment was
carried out to identify the number and condition of glacial lakes, their impacts in the community
if burst and potential adaptation measures. The result shows that the maximum temperature of
the area is increasing at the rate of 0.029°C per year (statistically significant at 99% level of
confidence). Remote sensing study shows that there are one hundred and three (103) glacial
lakes of various sizes in the area covering an area of 3.47 km2 (0.16%). There are already a
couple of Glacial Lakes Outburst Flood (GLOF) events in 1970s whose evidences are still found,
Page 1 of 2
and few more in several decades before. Most of the settlements and agriculture fields are in
river corridors. Fragile geology and steep slopes accelerates landslide in the region and severe
bank cutting triggers it. As per the locals, the frequency of GLOF events is less, however, when
the event occurs, it destroys lives and properties at a large scale and the recovery period is of
several decades. Fourteen settlements with total households of 273 are at risk of GLOF events at
the area.
Most of the routes are along the river corridors; therefore, alternative foot-trail throughout the
KCA is necessary. The trail should be far from the river course and landslides. Comprehensive
vulnerability assessment of large glacial lakes in the area is needed. The assessment includes
defining of hazard zones and safe sites. This helps people to migrate to the safer zone during the
time of GLOF event. After the comprehensive vulnerability assessment of glacial lakes in the
area, early warning system to the major settlements such as Olangchungola, Yangma, Ghunsa,
Tapethok, Chhiruwa is necessary. In Ghunsa area, there are two types of telephone (landline and
V-Sat) but there is only one telephone in Olangchungola area having only one way of charging
the battery. The electricity in the Olangchungola area is generally cut in day-time so there will be
no battery in telephone if the days are cloudy or rainy. Thereofre, in Olangchungola, there should
be two way charging system for telephone (electricity and solar). People are willing to have their
own cell phone, mobile tower at Olangchungola area and Ghunsa area is essential. Community
based organizations like youth clubs, mother groups are recommended to have intense training of
rescue operation in emergency situation. Massive awareness program has been recommended
among the community people. GLOF event in the KCA area is expected to have severe impacts
on livestock like Chauri, Yak, cow and sheep. Livestock insurance mechanism with seed money
from donor agency is recommended. In the insurance system, people having livestock bearing
child deposit certain money in local community group and those people having death of livestock
are provided with certain money for recovery of the loss. In new developing activities,
infrastructures are recommended to construct with detailed analysis of GLOF vulnerability
assessment. Houses should not be constructed in steep slopes. Houses in Olangchungola area are
much more vulnerable to GLOF events. So, it is recommended that the settlement should be
shifted periodically (July to September) in another location and back in other months. The
monsoon season is much more vulnerable to GLF events.
Page 2 of 2