Kondal Lake alert system restored amid GLOF fears

Authorities have reinstalled and activated an early warning system at Kondal Lake in Upper Dir's scenic Kumrat Valley amid renewed concerns over the potential threat of a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF), following expert assessments and fresh disaster preparedness measures.

The move comes after a tourist last year reported unusual activity at the remote glacial lake, including muddy water flowing from it, frightening unexplained sounds and bubbles appearing on the surface before spreading in waves towards the shore.

Government sources said experts from national and provincial disaster management authorities subsequently inspected Kondal Lake twice, while the then deputy commissioner also conducted an aerial survey of the area by helicopter. An early warning system was installed to monitor possible changes and provide advance warning of any emergency.

However, the system later became inactive after batteries, solar panels and other dedicated equipment were reportedly stolen. The Upper Dir district administration has now installed new batteries, solar panels and alarm devices and restored the system to full operational status.

Situated approximately 10,500 feet above sea level in the mountainous Kumrat Valley, Kondal Lake consists of two interconnected glacial lakes, a smaller upper lake and a larger lake below it. The lakes, spread over an estimated eight to 10 acres, are fed by water from nearby glaciers.

Known for its crystal-clear, cold, sky-blue water, Kondal Lake is a popular destination for adventurous tourists, who undertake a strenuous four-to-five-hour trek through mountainous terrain to reach it.

Local residents, however, say the lake has long been surrounded by mystery. Kumrat resident Shafiullah said local people generally avoid travelling to the lake in very small groups, recalling stories passed down through generations about frightening sounds heard in the area.

Another tourist said he had heard loud and alarming noises at intervals of 30 to 45 minutes during a visit to the lake. He believed the sounds could possibly be caused by an unseen glacier collapsing internally, although experts would need to scientifically determine their origin.

Concerns over glacial lakes have increased sharply since July 2024, when the nearby Zeki Jhat and Shazur lakes burst after pressure caused by falling glacier masses. The resulting flood caused widespread destruction in Kumrat Valley, washing away houses, agricultural land, hotels, roads, commercial areas, a hydropower facility, dozens of water mills and water supply infrastructure.

The disaster also severely damaged the Kumrat River ecosystem and infrastructure, with rehabilitation of some affected areas still incomplete.

Professor Dr Ehsan Danish of the Environmental Sciences Department at Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Sheringal, warned that Upper Dir, Swat and Chitral were increasingly vulnerable to flash floods and glacial lake outburst events due to unusual and unseasonal weather patterns.

He said the floods of 2010, 2022 and 2024 should serve as a warning that the effects of climate change had already reached the region. He stressed the need to remove residential, commercial and other encroachments from natural water channels and vulnerable routes.

Upper Dir, according to local explorers, has at least 27 small and large glacial lakes that have been identified in the wider mountainous region.

The Relief Department and Provincial Disaster Management Authority have meanwhile issued alerts following a review meeting on possible GLOF threats.