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The proactive response to GLOF Risk at Punakha
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• Bhutan is small country (~40Ksq Kms) located in the fragile Himalayas • The popula>on is about 700,000 and only 1% of the total land is es>mated to be arable
• The primary income source for the country is Hydropower exports and Tourism
• Any Risk/loss is substan>al in perspec>ve of its size and popula>on
Punakha Valley lies in the western part of the country.
Cultural Tours, River raPing, trekking is a main source of income for many in Punakha
• Hydropower Revenues form up to 30% of na>onal revenues, expected to increase to about 50% of na>onal revenues
• Two Large hydro power projects with over 1000MW installed capacity lie along this river
Glacial Lakes such as these are sources of water for the rivers flowing in Bhutan
Google-‐map view of the glacial lakes which are sources of water for the PunatsangChhu
Clima>c changes globally causes glaciers to melt faster. Large chunks of ice falling into the large glacial lakes causes sudden increase in flow of water in the rivers, causing damage to in the valleys. Punakha Valley has experienced many such floods causing loss of life, damage to property, affects the aqua>c life, affects arable land, affects tourism.
Damages to aqua>c life, livelihood arable, land as a result of the flood
Damage to arable land
Damages to infrastructure
Before and aPer floods
Mi>ga>on Measures : Glacial lakes were surveyed. Poten>al impact surveyed. High risk glacial lakes iden>fied . Early warning sirens installed and local community trained on response.
The Risk of glacial lake outbursts to the Punakha valley is receiving its due a_en>on;
Incen%ves Decision makers are concerned because of its direct impact on Hydropower and Tourism
Behavioral Relevant communi>es are being sensi>zed and trained on response.
Informa%on Technical informa>on has been collected and disseminated
Resources Adequate resources are being mobilized to create awareness, install early warning system.
Mi>ga>on Measures : Manually reducing the levels of glacial lakes. The reduced quan>ty of water in the lakes reduces the possible impact of floods
Mi>ga>on and Coping : Schema>c of the Early warning system installed in the Punakha Valley
Coping Mechanism : Led by His Majesty the King, a search and rescue team called “Desuups” are being constantly trained to help the affected during floods and other disasters.
The GNH Country has its share of Risks. With effec>ve governance and assistance from interna>onal donors, the risks associated with glacial lake outbursts are being mi>gated and coping mechanisms being ins>tuted.