For Prelims: Hanging Glacier, Alaknanda River, Char Dham Yatra, Full form of DRDO, Full form of IISc, Study Published In, Badrinath Elevation, Pilgrimage Footfall (2025)
For Mains: Climate-induced geohazards; Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) framework; Sustainable pilgrimage tourism
Source:
Why in the news?
A DRDO-funded study by IISc and Cambridge researchers warns of significant disaster risk to the Badrinath pilgrimage town from potential ice avalanches from hanging glaciers. The worst-case scenario predicts damage to 398 buildings, 2.66 km of roads, and key infrastructure. The findings call for urgent hazard mapping and construction regulations in the Himalayan region.
Summary
- A DRDO-funded study published in 'Landslides' models the risk of ice avalanches from three hanging glaciers above Badrinath, Uttarakhand.
- The worst-case scenario from the collapse of the largest glacier (5.32 million m³ volume) could damage 398 buildings, 2.66 km of roads, two bridges, a helipad, and a parking area.
- The study, a collaborative effort by IISc, DRDO, and Cambridge University, highlights the need for demarcating avalanche buffer zones and restricting new construction in vulnerable areas.
Highlights
Disaster Risk
A DRDO-IISc study models the severe infrastructure damage a hanging glacier collapse could cause to Badrinath town.
Hanging Glaciers
These ice bodies on steep mountain slopes are prone to detachment, causing ice avalanches that release water and debris.
Policy Implication
The study calls for demarcating avalanche impact zones and restricting new construction in vulnerable Himalayan areas.
Context / Background
Badrinath, a key Hindu pilgrimage site in Uttarakhand, is located in a fragile Himalayan ecosystem along the Alaknanda River. Climate change is increasing glacier instability, particularly for 'hanging glaciers' which are detached from valley floors and sit on steep slopes (>30°). A previous study identified 219 such glaciers in the region, with 30% in the Alaknanda basin being unstable, highlighting a growing environmental security threat.
Core Analysis & Implications
The study uses high-resolution satellite data to model avalanche scenarios. The glacier posing the maximum risk has a volume of 5.32 million m³ and a 34.57° slope. Its collapse could generate a flow with a peak velocity of 78.5 m/s and height of 73.5 m. While the Badrinath temple may not be directly hit, accumulated debris could impact it. The research underscores the compound risk to densely populated pilgrimage centers from geophysical hazards exacerbated by climate change, necessitating a shift from reactive to proactive disaster governance.
Future Outlook / Way Forward
The immediate need is for comprehensive hazard mapping and the creation of legally enforced buffer zones based on worst-case runout simulations. The methodology can be standardized and replicated for other Himalayan towns. Long-term solutions require integrating glacial risk assessments into regional development plans, enforcing strict building codes, and enhancing early warning systems. This aligns with India's broader goals for disaster-resilient infrastructure under the National Disaster Management Plan.
Background GK
Textbook concepts you need to understand this news
- Hanging Glacier
- A glacier that terminates on a steep mountainside or at a cliff edge, detached from the main valley floor below. It is often unstable and prone to avalanches.
- Alaknanda River
- A major Himalayan river and one of the two headstreams of the Ganga (the other being Bhagirathi). It meets the Bhagirathi at Devprayag to form the Ganga. Badrinath is situated on its bank.
- Char Dham Yatra
- A Hindu pilgrimage circuit in Uttarakhand comprising four sacred sites: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. It holds immense religious and tourism significance.
Facts to remember
Tap a card to see the answer. Try to recall it first.
How exams will ask this
- Data: 5.32 million cubic metres (volume of the highest-risk glacier).
- Nodal Body: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) - funder of the study.
- Location: Badrinath is located on the banks of the Alaknanda River in Uttarakhand.
Don't make this mistake!
They may ask which river Badrinath is on, offering 'Bhagirathi' (which meets Alaknanda at Devprayag) as a distractor. Another trap is confusing the study's publisher ('Landslides' journal) with other earth science journals.
Write these in mains answers
- Climate-induced geohazards
- Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) framework
- Sustainable pilgrimage tourism
Practice questions
Pick an answer, then read the explanation.
- Q1Easy
The recent study on hanging glacier risk above Badrinath was funded by which Indian organisation?
Explanation: The article explicitly states that the modelling study was funded by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
- Q2Hard
Consider the following statements regarding the study on hanging glaciers near Badrinath:
- 1.The study was published in the journal 'Landslides' and involved researchers from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc).
- 2.The worst-case scenario from the study predicts that the Badrinath temple shrine would be directly hit by the ice avalanche.
- 3.The study identified that the hanging glacier with the highest risk has an estimated volume of 5.32 million cubic metres.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as the study was published in 'Landslides' and involved IISc researchers. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article says the modelling showed the Badrinath shrine was 'not expected to be directly hit'. Statement 3 is correct as per the data in the article.
- Q3Medium
According to the DRDO-funded study, what is the estimated volume of the hanging glacier that poses the biggest risk of post-failure damage to Badrinath?
Explanation: The article clearly states that the second hanging glacier site, which showed the biggest risk, contains an estimated volume of 5.32 million cubic metres.
- Q4Medium
What is the primary policy recommendation emerging from the study on hanging glacier risks to Badrinath?
Explanation: The article concludes by stating that researchers called for prioritising the demarcation of avalanche impact and buffer zones based on worst-case scenarios and restricted regulations on new construction. This is the core policy implication.
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the full form of DRDO?
Defence Research and Development Organisation
2. What is the full form of IISc?
Indian Institute of Science
3. What is the study Published In?
Landslides journal (October 28)
4. What is the badrinath Elevation?
Approximately 3,415 metres above mean sea level
5. What is the pilgrimage Footfall (2025)?
Around 1.7 million people during Char Dham yatra
6. What is the worst-Case Damage Estimate?
398 buildings, 2.66 km roads, 2 bridges, helipad, parking area
7. What is the highest Risk Glacier Volume?
5.32 million cubic metres
8. What is the current Context?
Study published on October 28, 2026, funded by DRDO and conducted by researchers from IISc, Cambridge, and DRDO.
All sources
- Original29 October 2026 · Read story
