Mon Sep 01 19:46:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:

**Headline: Disaster Plan Warns of Imminent Glacial Lake Flooding Threat in Kishtwar, J&K**

**Srinagar, J&K – September 2, 2025** – A newly released Disaster Management Plan for Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir warns of a high risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) that could devastate the region. The report, prepared by District Magistrate Rajesh Kumar Shavan, identifies Kishtwar as the most vulnerable district in the Union Territory due to the increasing threat of glacial lake expansion driven by climate change.

The report highlights that at least 65 civilians died, over 100 were injured and around 33 missing after likely GLOF burst hit Kishtwar’s Chisoti village on August 14..

The disaster plan pinpoints areas like Padder, Machail, Dachhan, Marwah, and Warwan as particularly susceptible due to their proximity to glacial lakes. Key infrastructure, including roads, government buildings, schools, and hydroelectric projects under Chenab Valley Power Projects (CVPPL Limited) such as Pakal Dul, Kiru, Kwar, and Dangduru, are also at considerable risk. The report also raises concerns about the impact on the Kishtwar High Altitude National Park, with potential for ecosystem disruption and water contamination.

Kishtwar has the highest number of glacial lakes in Jammu and Kashmir, with a total of 197 lakes which accounts for 36.08% of all glacial lakes in the Union Territory.

The report emphasizes that the rapid loss of glacial mass in the Chenab River Basin, combined with unstable moraine dams holding back glacial lakes, significantly increases the likelihood of catastrophic flooding events. Specifically, lakes like Mundiksar and Hangu are classified as high-risk.

To mitigate the threat, the report recommends regular monitoring using satellite technology, the establishment of early warning systems, and the reinforcement or draining of unstable moraine dams. Crucially, the report also calls for comprehensive community education and emergency response training to prepare residents for potential disasters. Given Kishtwar’s location in a seismically active zone, the report underscores the vulnerability of the region to earthquakes that could trigger moraine dam collapses.

The report emphasizes the urgent need for regular monitoring and risk mitigation strategies to protect communities in the Kishtwar region.

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