ISRO, in its studies, has revealed that there is a 178% increase in the size of the Ghepang Ghat Glacial Lake. In which of the following States/UTs is this lake located? (a) Jammu & Kashmir (b) Ladakh (c) Himachal Pradesh (d) Uttarakhand

The Ghepang Ghat glacial lake is located in the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh at an elevation of approximately 4,068 meters [2]. Recent satellite-based studies conducted by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) have highlighted significant changes in the Himalayan cryosphere. Specifically, the Ghepang Ghat lake has shown a 178% increase in size, expanding from 36.49 hectares in 1989 to 101.30 hectares by 2022. This rapid expansion, occurring at a rate of about 1.96 hectares per year, is attributed to glacial retreat and melting in the Indus River Basin [1]. Such growth increases the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), which pose a threat to downstream communities and infrastructure in the region [2].

Sources

1. [1] https://www.livemint.com/science/news/climate-change-glacial-lakes-indian-himalayas-isro-indus-ganga-brahmaputra-ghepang-ghat-glacial-lake-11713798683175.html
2. [2] https://bhuvan.nrsc.gov.in/nhpfs/pdf/GhepanGhat_GLOF_TechReport_Final_29122023.pdf