By Passang Norbu, passa@kuensel.com.bt 
More than 50 experts from India, Pakistan, Nepal, UK, Switzerland, Thailand and Bhutan have gathered in Paro to discuss glacial lake outburst, its threats and prevention measures. For Bhutan whose very survival depends on the stability of the lakes, officials say it is a much-needed workshop. Bhutan has nearly 3,000 lakes of which 24 are identified as potentially dangerous, meaning it may burst in the not too distant future. Every river that runs through every dzongkhag is fed by glacial lakes. To make matters worse, the global warming has accelerated the melting of glaciers around these lakes, filling it up fast. The current melting rate, say geology of mines department, is about 30-35 metres a year. Home minister Lyonpo Minjur Dorji in his speech to the participants here yesterday called the glacial lakes “silent tsunamis”. He said Bhutan needed to be well prepared.
Bhutan’s glaciers retreating at 30-35 metres a year
