A joint team of researchers from Nagaland University and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has completed a glacial lake expedition at Mago in Arunachal Pradesh, conducting bathymetric surveys and assessments to strengthen research on Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).
The expedition was conducted under a Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India-sponsored project on GLOFs. The team surveyed potentially hazardous glacial lakes and carried out bathymetric surveys, river discharge measurements, geomorphological assessments and permafrost monitoring.
Led by Principal Investigator Dr Manasi Debnath, Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography at Nagaland University, the team included Co-Principal Investigator Prof Milap Chand Sharma of JNU and research scholars Ankita Maji, Samikcha Rai and Abhishek Pratap Singh.
During the bathymetric survey, the researchers documented evidence of a fish species at a depth of 15–20 metres in Rani Lake. The finding is significant given the high-altitude glacial environment, with the species appearing potentially endemic. However, its identity will require confirmation through detailed taxonomic and genetic analyses.
The expedition is expected to contribute to scientific research, improve disaster-risk assessments and strengthen the safety and resilience of vulnerable mountain communities.
Also Read: Why does a church hospital get special rates under a public scheme in Mizoram?