In the context of climate change and the increasing risk of natural disasters, regular monitoring of glaciers, snow reserves, and potentially dangerous glacial lakes is one of the priority areas of the state policy of the Republic of Tajikistan in the field of environmental protection and water security.
In this regard, within the framework of the State Program for the Study and Preservation of Glaciers of Tajikistan for 2010-2030, the Agency for Hydrometeorology under the Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan conducts annual aerial visual observations of snow reserves, glaciers, proglacial lakes, and potentially dangerous glacial lakes.
These observations, carried out three to four times a year, are of key importance for assessing water resources, preparing hydrological forecasts, and preventing natural disasters.
This time, specialists from the Agency for Hydrometeorology under the Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan conducted aerial visual observations in the Karatag River Basin, covering the Shing area and the Seven Lakes (Haftkul) within the Zeravshan River Basin.
During the flight, detailed assessments of snow reserves, glaciers, proglacial lakes, and other important components of the cryosphere were carried out using field observation methods and aerial photography.
One of the key findings of the observations was that approximately 95% of the seasonal snow cover in the surveyed areas had completely melted. This indicates that the active snowmelt process continues during the summer season, directly influencing river runoff formation, water resource availability, and the hydrological regime of the region. Therefore, continuous monitoring of these processes is essential for forecasting water resources and ensuring their effective management.
At the same time, the current condition of glaciers and glacial lakes was also assessed during the flight. The observations confirmed that these natural features remain under continuous monitoring by specialists, while the collected data are used to analyze cryosphere changes, assess the impacts of climate change, and identify future development trends.
Special attention was also given to areas with a high potential for natural hazards, including mudflows, landslides, possible glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), and other hazardous hydrometeorological processes. Timely assessment of these areas makes it possible to determine risk levels and provide a scientific basis for developing accurate forecasts and implementing preventive measures.
The collected data are used not only for hydrological forecasting and water resource monitoring but also serve as a scientific basis for developing national policies on climate change adaptation, glacier preservation, and strengthening preparedness for natural disasters.
The results of these observations contribute to the effective implementation of the State Program for the Study and Preservation of Glaciers of Tajikistan for 2010–2030, promote the advancement of cryosphere research, improve early warning systems, and enhance the protection of the population from the impacts of natural disasters.
