Nepal to Drain Four High-Altitude Glacial Lakes to Prevent Future Floods

In response to the August glacier collapse that left over 5,000 people missing, Nepal announced a US$50-million initiative to drain four high-altitude glacial lakes—Thulagi, Lower Barun, Lumding Tsho and Hongu II—through regulated canals that discharge into adjacent rivers. The plan, funded by the Green Climate Fund, the UN Development Programme and the Nepalese government, will begin detailed design work before the fiscal year ends in mid-July 2027.

Experts note that the lakes, situated between 4,050 m and 5,483 m, are among the most hazardous in the country. Draining operations, which could span six years, will involve gated structures, sensor networks, and a flood-forecasting and warning system to protect downstream communities. Workers will confront health risks linked to prolonged high-altitude labor and the threat of sudden floods.

Nepal has previously lowered other glacial lakes, such as Tsho Rolpa and Imja, demonstrating the technical capacity for such projects. Prime Minister Balendra Shah highlighted the effort as a climate-change-driven necessity, underscoring the nation’s vulnerability despite minimal emissions.