GLOF

​    Tsho Rolpa Glacial Lake: A Present‑Day Climate Threat in Nepal

The Himalayan region is undergoing significant changes as a result of rising global temperatures. The retreating glaciers in Nepal are melting more quickly now than they did in previous decades, creating glacial lakes that are growing throughout high mountain valleys. Millions of people who live downstream of these delicate water bodies will be severely impacted by this trend, which is not some far-off future scenario. 

One of Nepal’s most prominent and concerning examples of this trend is Tsho Rolpa Glacial Lake, located in the Rolwaling Valley of Dolakha District at about 4,580 meters above sea level. The lake, formed from meltwater from the retreating Tarkading Glacier, has grown significantly over the past several decades. Bathymetric and satellite studies show that its area has expanded from around 1.55 km² in 2008 to over 1.65 km² by 2022, illustrating a clear pattern of enlargement linked to climate‑driven melting.

Tsho Rolpa's size, unstable moraine dam, and possible downstream effects make it one of Nepal's most hazardous glacial lakes. Along with other lakes in the Koshi River basin, it is classified as a high-risk lake. Despite efforts to lower the water level around 2000, there is still a chance of a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF).

 Acknowledging the seriousness of the threat, the Nepali government is improving monitoring and disaster preparedness through the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) and with international assistance. A US$36.1 million program to bolster risk reduction initiatives throughout Nepal's mountain regions was approved by the Green Climate Fund in 2025. Increased early warning systems, flood mitigation infrastructure, water-level control at high-risk lakes, and community readiness initiatives will all be supported by the initiative. This signifies a change from reactive responses following disasters to proactive management of glacier hazards and resilience building.

Installing real-time monitoring equipment close to possible danger zones and integrating SMS-based alert systems to alert downstream settlements are ongoing community-level initiatives. Residents and authorities are better able to comprehend the risks and get ready for quick reactions thanks to awareness campaigns and local training programs.

The situation at Tsho Rolpa reflects a broader pattern across the Himalayas: as glaciers shrink, new lakes form and existing ones enlarge, raising the stakes for disaster risk management in fragile mountain environments. According to a 2025 study, glacier loss in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region has already accelerated, increasing the quantity and instability of glacial lakes.

These changes have significant ramifications for Nepal, a nation whose rivers and valleys are fed by glacier melt. The threat posed by glacial lakes like Tsho Rolpa is now an ongoing issue that calls for coordinated climate adaptation plans, resilient infrastructure, ongoing monitoring, and community involvement. Whether this risk turns into a manageable hazard or a catastrophic event that permanently changes lives and landscapes throughout the region will depend on prompt and coordinated action taken now.

                                                                                                                                Anil Bhujel