A Governance-Based Analysis Of The Policy-Practice Gap In Glacial Flood Risk Management In Uttarakhand

Abstract

Uttarakhand is a predominantly Himalayan state with extensive snow and glacier cover, which increases exposure to glacial floods. Experience from Kedarnath in 2013, Chamoli in 2021, and reported incidents near Dharali in 2025 shows a rising risk as climate change accelerates glacier retreat. Although national bodies like the National Disaster Management Authority have issued detailed guidance, a constant gap remains between policy and practice. This paper argues that this gap reflects systemic governance shortcoming. Using a framework which combines policy implementation and multi-level governance, the study reviews India’s glacial disasters policies and their application in Uttarakhand. The analysis identifies a pattern of public safety conflicts with powerful economic interests in hydropower and tourism. Four linked drivers emerge: ambiguous mandates and unfunded local responsibilities; project-based, response-heavy risk management that sidelines prevention; weak coordination, including slow data sharing and procurement; and incentives that favour short-term growth over risk reduction. The paper suggests practical steps: setting up clear land-use rules with strict no-build zones in dangerous areas; making hazard maps for river basins; building effective early warning systems and running regular community drills; keeping maintenance budgets and independent audits. Learning from international case studies, India can build a forward-looking, and resilient system to manage Glacial disaster risks.