NGT Takes Suo Motu Cognizance of Hanging Glacier Risks in Central Himalaya, Issues Notices to Authorities

April 24, 2026 : The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has initiated suo motu proceedings over environmental risks posed by unstable hanging glaciers in the Central Himalaya, flagging serious concerns regarding environmental protection and statutory compliance.

A Bench comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava (Chairperson) and Dr. Afroz Ahmad (Expert Member) registered Original Application No. 258/2026 based on a news report published in The Hindu on April 20, 2026.

Key Findings from the Tribunal’s Order

The Tribunal noted that the news report was based on a scientific study conducted by researchers from institutions including the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), IIT Bhubaneswar, and DRDO. The study highlights that:

• Unstable hanging glaciers on steep slopes in the Alaknanda basin of Uttarakhand may trigger large-scale avalanches and downstream disasters.
• Glacier retreat has caused detachment and destabilisation of mountain glaciers, leading to mass shedding in the form of snow and ice avalanches.
• High seismicity and expanding infrastructure in areas such as Badrinath, Mana, and Hanuman Chatti significantly amplify risks.

The study also recorded a sharp rise in human exposure, with built-up areas in vulnerable zones projected to increase from about 8,000 sq. m in 2000 to over 150,000 sq. m by 2030, particularly in the Badrinath–Mana stretch.

Legal Observations

The NGT observed that the issue indicates potential violations of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and raises substantial questions relating to environmental compliance and implementation of statutory provisions.

The Tribunal also reiterated its authority to take suo motu cognizance, relying on the Supreme Court’s ruling in Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai v. Ankita Sinha & Ors..

Respondents Impleaded

The Tribunal impleaded multiple authorities, including:

• Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
• Central Pollution Control Board
• Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board
• National Mission for Clean Ganga
• Department of Urban Development, Uttarakhand
• National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee

Notices have been issued directing all respondents to file their replies by affidavit ahead of the next hearing.

Next Hearing

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

Case Title: News Item titled “Study Flags Overlooked Danger Posed By Hanging Glaciers On Mountain Slopes in Central Himalaya”
Case No.: Original Application No. 258/2026
Coram: Justice Prakash Shrivastava (Chairperson) and Dr. Afroz Ahmad (Expert Member)