NGT Takes Suo Motu Cognizance Of Risks From Hanging Glaciers In Central Himalaya

The Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), New Delhi, has taken suo motu cognizance of a news report highlighting the environmental risks posed by unstable hanging glaciers in the Central Himalaya.

The Bench comprising Mr. Justice Prakash Shrivastava (Chairperson) and Dr. Afroz Ahmad (Expert Member) registered Original Application No. 258/2026 based on a news item titled “Study Flags Overlooked Danger Posed By Hanging Glaciers On Mountain Slopes in Central Himalaya” published in The Hindu on April 20, 2026.

The news report referred to a scientific study conducted by researchers from leading institutions including IISc Bengaluru, IIT Bhubaneswar, and DRDO, which warned that unstable hanging glaciers in the Alaknanda basin of Uttarakhand could trigger avalanches and downstream disasters. The study highlighted increasing risks due to glacier retreat, seismic sensitivity, and rapid expansion of human settlements and infrastructure in vulnerable high-altitude regions such as Badrinath, Mana, and Hanuman Chatti.

Taking note of the serious environmental concerns and potential violations of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Tribunal observed that the issue raises substantial questions relating to environmental protection and compliance with statutory provisions.

Invoking its suo motu powers as recognized by the Hon'ble Supreme Court in Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai vs. Ankita Sinha & Ors., the Tribunal has impleaded multiple authorities as respondents, including:

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)

Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board

National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)

Department of Urban Development, Uttarakhand

National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee

The Tribunal has issued notices to all respondents directing them to file their responses by way of affidavits before the next hearing.

The matter has been listed for further hearing on August 6, 2026, along with a connected case.

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