MUSTANG: Field and drone-based monitoring has begun across the high-altitude areas of Upper Mustang to assess potential risks from glacial lakes and floods. Officials said no immediate signs of significant risk have been detected in the areas monitored so far.

The monitoring has been stepped up following the Bhotekoshi flood, with authorities focusing on identifying disaster risks and strengthening preparedness in Upper Mustang. A joint team coordinated by the Mustang District Administration Office—including the Nepal Armed Police Force’s BOP Nechung, Nepal Police, the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Lomangthang and local conservation-area management committees—is monitoring the sources of the Kali Gandaki river system and surrounding high-mountain areas.

According to Umesh Paudel, chief of ACAP Lomangthang, the team initially conducted field and drone inspections of two sources of the Kali Gandaki river system near border pillars 18 and 19 along the Nepal-China border. The team assessed snowfall conditions and potential hazards and found no immediate signs of risk, he said.

In the second phase, the team inspected Ghyakar Chhu Lake in the high mountainous area above Lomangthang. The lake lies at an altitude of around 5,550 metres above sea level. Drone footage showed glacial debris in the area, but no immediate threat was detected, Paudel said.

The team now plans to monitor the summit area of Chhuama Peak above Chumjung in Lomangthang and the mountainous area above Charang in Lo-Ghekar Damodar Kunda-1. Paudel said GPS data indicate the presence of glacial lakes in those areas, prompting plans for field inspections.

Last year, a debris-laden flood originating from Chhuama Peak above Chumjung entered the Kali Gandaki river system, increasing risks to nearby settlements.

ACAP said regular monitoring of river sources and other vulnerable areas will continue, with greater emphasis on early risk detection, early warning systems and disaster preparedness in the high Himalayas.