Context:
Recently, a peer-reviewed study published in the journal Landslides on October 28, 2026, assessed the vulnerability of three hanging glaciers above Badrinath in Uttarakhand. The research was conducted by scientists from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), the University of Cambridge and DRDO.
What are Hanging Glaciers?
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- Hanging glaciers are masses of ice located on steep mountain slopes or terminating abruptly at bedrock cliffs, without being connected to the valley floor. Their stability depends on temperature, slope angle, ice thickness and basal resistance.
- When these glaciers become unstable, portions of ice may detach and fall downslope, triggering ice avalanches. Such events can carry rocks, snow, water and debris, causing extensive damage to settlements and infrastructure.
- Hanging glaciers are masses of ice located on steep mountain slopes or terminating abruptly at bedrock cliffs, without being connected to the valley floor. Their stability depends on temperature, slope angle, ice thickness and basal resistance.
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Key Findings of the Study:
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- According to the worst-case scenario developed by researchers, an avalanche triggered by the collapse of the most hazardous hanging glacier could damage nearly 398 buildings, 2.66 km of roads, two bridges, a helipad and a parking area.
- The study found that the Badrinath temple is not expected to be directly hit; however, accumulated rocks and debris could potentially affect the shrine.
- According to the worst-case scenario developed by researchers, an avalanche triggered by the collapse of the most hazardous hanging glacier could damage nearly 398 buildings, 2.66 km of roads, two bridges, a helipad and a parking area.
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Why Is Badrinath Vulnerable?
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- Badrinath is situated in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand at approximately 3,415 metres above mean sea level, along the banks of the Alaknanda River, a major tributary of the Ganga. It is one of India's most important pilgrimage destinations and received around 1.7 million visitors during the 2025 Char Dham Yatra.
- Its location amid steep Himalayan slopes, glaciers and fragile mountain ecosystems increases its exposure to natural disasters. Growing tourism and infrastructure development further increase the potential consequences of such hazards.
- Badrinath is situated in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand at approximately 3,415 metres above mean sea level, along the banks of the Alaknanda River, a major tributary of the Ganga. It is one of India's most important pilgrimage destinations and received around 1.7 million visitors during the 2025 Char Dham Yatra.
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Assessment of the Three Hanging Glaciers:
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- Researchers used high-resolution satellite imagery and elevation models to identify glaciers with average slopes of 30 degrees or more. They subsequently assessed their ice volume, thickness and vulnerable portions through numerical simulations.
- Among the three glaciers, the second glacier site was found to have the highest damage potential, with an estimated ice volume of 5.32 million cubic metres and a slope of 34.57 degrees. In a simulated collapse, the avalanche could attain a peak velocity of 78.5 metres per second and a flow height of approximately 73.5 metres.
- Researchers used high-resolution satellite imagery and elevation models to identify glaciers with average slopes of 30 degrees or more. They subsequently assessed their ice volume, thickness and vulnerable portions through numerical simulations.
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Climate Change and Glacier-Related Risks:
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- Climate change is increasing the vulnerability of the Himalayan cryosphere, which includes glaciers, snow cover and permafrost. Rising temperatures accelerate glacier melting and alter ice stability.
- Permafrost degradation can weaken mountain slopes, while glacier retreat may contribute to the formation and expansion of glacial lakes, increasing the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).
- These processes can trigger interconnected disasters such as landslides, ice avalanches and flash floods. An earlier study identified 219 hanging glaciers, approximately 30% of which were located in the Alaknanda basin.
- Climate change is increasing the vulnerability of the Himalayan cryosphere, which includes glaciers, snow cover and permafrost. Rising temperatures accelerate glacier melting and alter ice stability.
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Major Challenges:
The management of glacier-related disasters faces several challenges, including limited scientific monitoring, difficult geographical accessibility, inadequate hazard mapping and unplanned infrastructure development. Moreover, uncertainty in estimating ice thickness, release volumes and friction parameters can affect the accuracy of avalanche simulations. Therefore, continuous field observations and scientific validation are essential.
Conclusion:
The Badrinath study highlights the growing vulnerability of Himalayan settlements to climate change and glacier-related hazards. Although the findings do not predict an imminent glacier collapse, they provide an important scientific basis for disaster preparedness. Scientific monitoring, risk-sensitive land-use planning and sustainable infrastructure development are essential to protect Himalayan communities and pilgrimage destinations.
