Explanation: Glacier outbursts, also known as glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), are sudden and catastrophic releases of water from a glacier or glacial lake. These events can be triggered by various factors, including climate change, which leads to the melting of glaciers and the formation of glacial lakes. When these lakes breach their natural dams, they can release large volumes of water, causing flash floods and significant damage to the surrounding areas.
In the context of Uttarakhand, a major glacier outburst occurred in the Chamoli district in February 2021. This event, which is often referred to as the "Ronti Gad Glacier Outburst," was caused by the collapse of a hanging glacier in the Ronti Gad valley. The resulting floodwaters caused extensive damage to infrastructure, including the Rishi Ganga and Tapovan hydropower projects, and led to the loss of several lives.
Chamoli is a district located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, which is part of the Himalayan mountain range. The district is characterized by its high altitude and the presence of numerous glaciers and glacial lakes. The geography of the region makes it particularly susceptible to glacier outbursts, as the combination of steep terrain and the presence of glaciers creates conditions that can lead to such catastrophic events.
It is important to understand the geographical and environmental context of Uttarakhand to appreciate why Chamoli is the correct answer. The district's location in the Himalayas, its high altitude, and the presence of glaciers make it a prime location for glacier outbursts. Other districts in Uttarakhand, such as Dehradun and Haridwar, are located in the plains and are not associated with such events. While Uttarkashi is also a high-altitude district, the specific event in question occurred in Chamoli.
In conclusion, the correct answer is Chamoli because it is the district where the major glacier outburst occurred in February 2021. This event highlights the vulnerability of high-altitude regions to natural disasters and underscores the importance of understanding the geographical and environmental factors that contribute to such events.