The fifth Khangri Glacier Expedition conducted in Arunachal Pradesh’s Mago Chu Basin has revealed alarming signs of glacier instability, rapid melting, and formation of a potentially dangerous glacial lake in the eastern Himalayas.

• Scientists during the 5th Khangri Glacier Expedition 2026 observed alarming glacier instability and the formation of a potentially dangerous glacial lake in Arunachal Pradesh’s Mago Chu Basin in Tawang district.

About the Expedition

• The expedition was conducted by:
  • Centre for Earth Sciences and Himalayan Studies (CESHS).
  • National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR).
  • North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST).
• The study focused on: Glacier health assessment, Cryosphere monitoring & Climate-linked disaster risks in the eastern Himalayas.

Where is Khangri Glacier?

• Located in the Mago Chu Basin near Gori Chen mountain range of Tawang district, Arunachal Pradesh.
• It feeds the e Mago Chu river which forms an important headwater for the Brahmaputra River system.
• The glacier lies in the fragile eastern Himalayan ecosystem close to the India-China border region.

Major Findings of the Expedition

• Formation of Glacier Sinking Zone: Scientists discovered a major glacier sinking zone, where the glacier snout is collapsing rapidly.

  • This creates unstable terrain and increases the risk of: Landslides, Flash floods & Landscape instability.

• Emergence of a Proglacial Lake: A new proglacial lake has formed at nearly 16,500 feet altitude. Researchers warned that it could trigger a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF).

• Continued Rapid Melting: Despite healthy winter snowfall, glaciers continue melting rapidly because of:

• Rising temperatures.
• Climate variability.
• Global warming impacts.

Scientific Monitoring Measures

• Five monitoring stakes were installed at elevations up to 17,000 feet using Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) technology and steam ice-core drilling systems.
• Scientists also collected data from:
  • Automatic Weather Stations (AWS).
  • Automatic Water Level Recorders (AWLR).

Exam Hook – Key Takeaways

• Khangri Glacier is located in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang district.
• Scientists observed glacier collapse and formation of a dangerous glacial lake.
• GLOFs are becoming major climate-linked hazards in the Himalayas.
• Himalayan glaciers are crucial for India’s water and ecological security.

One Line Wrap

• The Khangri Glacier findings highlight how climate change is rapidly destabilising the fragile Himalayan ecosystem and increasing disaster risks in Northeast India.