Marsyangdi river corridor at risk of glacial lakes in Manang

लगानी न्यूज

३१ भाद्र २०८३, बुधबार ०८:४५September 16, 2026

Lamjung. The threat to the glacial lakes of Manang has raised concerns about the safety of the downstream areas around the Marsyangdi River.

{{TAG_OPEN_div_58} Sudden big flood due to the glacial lake outburst could have its impact in the downstream areas via the Marsyangdi River.

The Dona (TAG_OPEN_div_56 Thulagi) glacial lake located in Naso Rural Municipality-2 of Manang has been identified as a potentially dangerous glacial lake since the past. Various studies have shown that the area of the lake is around 0.9 square kilometers. A survey conducted in 2017 showed that the maximum depth of the lake was 76 meters.

TAG_OPEN_div_54 Since these studies were conducted a few years ago, there is a need to re-study the area of the lake, the amount of water, the condition of the glacier and the topography around the lake. It shows that there is a need for more clarity about the risk identified in the past and what is the status of the current hazard.

According to Rabi Gurung, ward chairman of Naso Rural Municipality-2, the Dona glacial lake is in a dangerous state, but nothing is likely to happen immediately. He said that the shape of the lake is changing and expanding compared to the past. “The lake is at risk and nothing has happened so far. The size is different from the previous one and is getting bigger,” he said. Although the rural municipality is taking initiatives to reduce the risk of the lake, a big budget is needed for conservation, he said.TAG_OPEN_div_52

He said that efforts are being made to provide necessary support with the state and federal governments and work is being done to inform and warn the locals about the risks. According to him, Dona Lake, located at the foothills of Manaslu Mountain, has also become an attraction for tourists due to its natural beauty. He said that 200 tourists, including foreign and domestic tourists, visit the lake area every year.TAG_OPEN_div_50

Mukti Prasad Khanal, Chief District Officer of Manang, said that the Dona glacial lake is in a dangerous state and further study and initiatives are needed to reduce its risk. According to him, the accumulation of sand and soil in the lake has become a matter of concern. “It cannot be said that the lake will burst immediately, but it cannot be said that it will not burst immediately. There can be a risk at any time,” he said.TAG_OPEN_div_48

He said that although there is general preparation for disaster response in the district, the capacity to deal with floods caused by the explosion of a large glacial lake is limited. He said that a request has been made to the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority for risk reduction and it has been decided to take necessary initiative through the district-level meeting.TAG_OPEN_div_46

TAG_OPEN_div_44 He said that the lake burst could affect the lower districts of the Marsyangdi River flow through various settlements of Manang. He said that human casualties should be prevented by disseminating timely information as settlements, roads, hydropower projects and other physical structures could be damaged.

Similarly, Lalupate Hydropower is forwarding the process of constructing a hydropower project in the vicinity of Dona Lake and a study is being conducted to use the water of the lake, said CDO Khanal. He said that necessary study and precaution should be taken keeping in mind the risk of the lake and the structures associated with it.TAG_OPEN_div_42

Sudan Bikash Maharjan, an expert on glacial lakes, said that it is not possible to ascertain whether the current condition of the Dona glacial lake has increased or decreased without a field study. He said that the risk of glacial lakes has been there since the past and regular monitoring of such lakes is necessary. According to him, it is necessary to monitor the risky glacial lakes at an interval of two to three years.TAG_OPEN_div_40

TAG_OPEN_div_38 He said that the government should inspect such glacial lakes and take necessary steps to reduce the risk. The Marsyangdi River merges with the Trishuli River after crossing Gorkha and Tanahun from Manang via Lamjung. Therefore, the risk of major floods arising from the Dona glacial lake should not be limited to Manang but should be linked to the lower bank area of the Marsyangdi River.

Krishna Prasad Khanal, Chief District Officer of Lamjung, said that the lower coastal areas of the district could be at risk if the Marsyangdi river is flooded due to the Dona glacial lake. According to him, the low-lying areas around Sundar Bazaar, some low-lying areas of Besisahar and hydropower projects in the Marsyangdi corridor could also be at risk.TAG_OPEN_div_36

“Manang and Lamjung are the most vulnerable areas. It is not possible to say for sure whether the lake will burst or not,” he said. According to him, it may be difficult to deal with the current resources if a disaster of a large magnitude occurs. Therefore, he said that the disaster preparation has been done by giving priority to the issue of early warning and saving human life.

Although the risk of floods cannot be completely controlled, regular monitoring, risk reassessment, early warning system, identification of potential flood flow areas and coordination between local levels and security agencies can minimize the damage.TAG_OPEN_div_32

Since there are settlements along the Marsyangdi River as well as roads, bridges, hydropower projects and other important infrastructures, the risk of glacial lakes should not be considered as a limited issue in the upper mountainous region but should be linked to the disaster management plan of the lower riparian area.