Topic: Disaster and disaster management.
5. What is a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF)? Analyse India’s vulnerabilities to GLOF. Is India prepared and equipped to handle a GLOF disaster? (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India
Why the question:
Rising temperatures have increased the risk of glacial lake bursts of the kind that devastated the Kedarnath valley in 2013 and parts of Chamoli in 2021. Uttarakhand has commissioned a GLOF risk-assessment study.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about GLOF, India’s vulnerability and preparedness in tackling it.
Directive word:
Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by defining a GLOF.
Body:
First, write about how vulnerable India is to a GLOF. Cite statistics to substantiate and previous GLOF disaster faced by India.
Next, write about preparedness of India in handling a GLOF disaster – mention the steps that have been already taken, their strengths and limitations. Mention further steps that can be taken in this regard.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
