Strategies to manage Glof risk in hydroelectric power projects - A case study of Teesta river basin in India

Hydroelectric power projects located on river fed by glaciers are susceptible to threat posed by Glacier Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF). Teesta river basin is fed by glaciers and has many hydroelectric power projects (HEP) which are operational / in various stages of planning, design and execution. Due to sudden release of water from the South Lhonak lake on 3^rd /4^th October 2023, the ensuing GLOF caused huge devastation in Teesta river basin which included washing away of the dam of Teesta III HEP as well as damages to downstream operational / under construction HEP’s.

National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) established by Government of India through Dam Safety Act, 2021 is responsible for matters related to dam safety at central level in India. Taking due cognizance of the matter, NDSA has taken up investigation to understand the GLOF threat to existing and planned hydroelectric power projects in Teesta Basin and also to frame strategies to manage the GLOF risk for all similar river basins in general and for Teesta basin in particular. This paper discusses appropriate robust design, early warning system etc. as the strategies to manage the GLOF