Real Time Monitoring and Early Warning of Imja Tsho

Imja Tsho Lake is one of the fastest growing in the entire Himalayan region. Regular monitoring based on scientific data and information of the lake is crucial. To initiate an early warning system; a wireless LAN setup has been established using innovative geo-ICT tools and technologies to connect different field monitoring devices for real time monitoring and early warning for potential GLOF.

At present field servers are installed on the shore of Lake Imja and Island peak which can be accessed via Internet. The Field Server is a self monitoring device, powered by solar cells and capable of collecting a wide range of data on harsh climate conditions at the sites, as well as time lapse images; captured by digital camera. Two other digital cameras have been installed at Namche.

“This is first-of-its-kind in the Himalayan region in an effort to establish an early warning system of a potential dangerous lake…” added Basanta Shrestha. At present, the system is under testing mode and further refinements are being carried out on wireless network links for redundancy. The system would allow as often as 10 minutes interval, to receive live pictures and scientific parameters from Imja.

This initiative is jointly undertaken by Keio University of Japan, ICIMOD and the Department of National Park and Wildlife conservation with an operational MoU, signed recently. The other partners involved are National Agricultural Research Council of Japan and Nepal Research and Education Network – a focal node of Asia Pacific Advanced Network of Japan.

Related Links
Live Pictures and Real Time field server data
http://fsds.dc.affrc.go.jp/data4/Himalayan/

Awareness workshop - Interaction with local community and organizations about the early warning system
http://www.ecoeverest.net.np/workshopNamche.doc

MoU signed on establishing an Early Warning System for Imja Glacial lake
http://www.ecoeverest.net.np/Imja_Tsho.doc