Mussoorie, Sept. 17 -- A 20-member team of experts from various specialised institutions has been sent to Kedar Tal in Uttarkashi district for a scientific survey and joint field inspection under the National Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) Risk Mitigation Programme. The team will carry out a bathymetric survey, field inspection and joint study of Kedar Tal till September 21. Officials said experts will conduct a detailed survey of the lake and assess the geographical conditions of the surrounding area. They will also evaluate potential disaster risks in the region. District Magistrate Prashant Arya flagged off the team from the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) complex in Uttarkashi on Tuesday. The mission involves the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA), Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun, National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, Lucknow, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the district administration, along with experts from various institutions. Around 20 mountain porters have also accompanied the expert team to help transport equipment and other materials to Kedar Tal, located in a remote Himalayan region, and assist with the survey operations. Scientific studies of glacial lakes are important for disaster management as information on their depth, water volume, surrounding geographical conditions and changes over time helps assess the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). The data collected during the Kedar Tal survey will help identify potential future risks, strengthen monitoring systems and formulate action plans for preparedness and response in the event of a disaster. Arya extended his best wishes to the experts, officials and porters involved in the expedition. He said such missions in rugged mountainous terrain were challenging but could be successful through coordination among various institutions....