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The History and Dynamics of Lakes in Ghizer: With Reference to the Recent Tali Das Lake
The recent flood that created a lake at Tali Das has generated wide speculation and concern. Communities are debating whether the lake will burst, threatening lives and infrastructure, or whether it will gradually dissipate as several others have in the past. Although concrete remedial action has been limited, the anxiety is widespread. To put the matter in perspective, it is crucial to review both the process through which lakes form in Ghizer and the history of similar events over the last century.
How Lakes Form in Ghizer
The mountainous terrain of Gilgit-Baltistan, and Ghizer District in particular, is deeply prone to geological instability. The process of lake formation here follows a recurring pattern:
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Cloudbursts and Glacial Outbursts: Heavy rainfall or sudden melting of glaciers generates massive floods in mountain streams (nalas).
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Debris Flow: These floods carry vast quantities of boulders, rocks, and mud downstream.
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Natural Damming: At narrow points in valleys, the accumulated debris blocks the river flow, creating a natural dam.
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Lake Formation: Water builds up behind the dam, forming a temporary or semi-permanent lake.
In most cases, these naturally dammed lakes do not burst abruptly. Instead, they find gradual seepage channels, overflow naturally, or are drained partially by human intervention. However, the threat remains constant because of the unpredictable interplay between hydrology, geology, and climate extremes.
A Century of Lake Formation in Ghizer
1924 – Gupis Nala Flood
In July 1924, a devastating flood in the Gupis Nala blocked the Yasin and Ghizer Rivers for 24 hours. The resulting lake submerged Gotomi Gupis. Though fears of a sudden outburst persisted for nearly a year, the lake remained stable. Ultimately, in 1925, the Maharaja of Kashmir, in consultation with British authorities, constructed the first suspension bridge at Hawks to reconnect Yasin.
1980 – Khalti Lake
In July 1980, a flood from the Jundrote Nala inundated large portions of Khalti and Ghamis villages. The Ghizer River was blocked for 48 hours. Despite the intense water pressure, the lake did not burst. Later, through community self-help and the use of bulldozers, its level was lowered. To this day, Khalti Lake survives, never having breached.
Other Lakes
Several other lakes—including Sust Lake near Pangal village, one in Gahugh Nala, another near Bargur, and more recently Khotam Khalti Lake—eventually dissipated over time, without catastrophic outbursts.
2010 – Attabad Lake
The most famous example is Attabad Lake on the Hunza River, formed in 2010. It remained dammed for six months, sparking widespread fears of large-scale disaster. Although the government and army attempted to breach it with explosives, they failed. The lake ultimately found its own natural outflow and persists today as a permanent body of water.
Expert Perspectives
These historical patterns underline a recurring truth: while mountain debris flows can dam rivers and create massive lakes, such lakes rarely burst suddenly. More often, they gradually release water over years or decades, transforming the landscape rather than wiping it out in an instant.
The Case of Tali Das Lake
The lake now standing at Tali Das is a product of this same geological process. Experts believe it is unlikely to collapse suddenly. If its water level can be reduced by 15 to 20 feet—through controlled drainage—the Ghizer Road could be reopened, easing the community’s anxiety.
Media Lens’s Summation
A perceptive summation by Media Lens emphasizes the broader lesson:
“Lakes formed by landslides, glacial movements, or floods are natural responses of fragile mountain environments. They symbolize both the resilience and vulnerability of these landscapes. Human panic often magnifies the perception of risk, but historically, most such lakes have resolved themselves naturally, either by stabilizing into permanent water bodies or by gradually draining away. The real hazard lies not so much in the lakes themselves, but in unplanned development, poor preparedness, and disregard for environmental balance.”
This reflection resonates strongly with the case of Ghizer. Instead of relying solely on speculation or alarm, the focus must shift to scientific assessment, community preparedness, and practical mitigation measures.
Conclusion
The lakes of Ghizer—from Gupis in 1924 to Khalti, Attabad, and now Tali Das—are reminders of how mountains continuously reshape the landscape. While the risk of sudden outburst cannot be dismissed, history shows that these natural dams typically stabilize over time. What is needed most is pragmatic planning, engineering foresight, and environmental stewardship to ensure that these inevitable natural phenomena do not translate into human disasters.
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