Water leakage from lake at Drang Drung Glacier prompts monitoring in Ladakh

Scientists are monitoring the Drang Drung Glacier in Ladakh’s Zanskar region after a lake at the mouth of the glacier began leaking water, local media reported Wednesday.

Since the leak, the glacial lake and surrounding ice have been more closely examined as scientists determine whether the development could pose any threat to areas downstream.

Drang Drung, one of the major glaciers in the Zanskar region, has been studied scientifically to track glacier movement, meltwater and changes in the lake near its terminus.

A 2025 study found the lake has grown substantially between 2017 and 2021. Modelling suggested that a catastrophic glacial lake outburst flood was unlikely in the conditions studied.

Researchers have also observed seasonal variations in glacier motion that are associated with the availability of meltwater and subglacial drainage systems.

When water levels increase, or natural drainage patterns change, glacial lakes may become a source of concern and lead to glacial lake outburst floods. Scientists therefore track changes in vulnerable Himalayan glaciers and lakes to understand how risks are changing. No major floods or casualties have been reported in connection with the latest leakage.