Sikkim takes key steps to address glacier flood risks with global support

To address Glacier Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) has spearheaded an ambitious expedition to South Lhonak and Shako Chu Lake, in partnership with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). The expedition, which took place from October 19 to November 5, culminated in a press conference held in Gangtok, led by senior officials and expedition members.

The conference was chaired by Namrata Thapa, Secretary and Relief Commissioner of Sikkim's Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department, with key contributions from Dr. Sandeep Tambe, Secretary of Science and Technology, DG Shreatha, Principal Director of the Department of Science and Technology, Prabhaker Rai, Special Secretary of the Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department, and Mozart Maxon, the team leader from the expedition. The event highlighted the significant collaborative efforts among various departments, including the Department of Mines and Geology, DDMA Mangan, the Indian-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), local authorities, and representatives from the Swiss Development Cooperation.

This mission has been groundbreaking for Sikkim and India, according to Thapa, marking the first of its kind focused on GLOF risk assessment in Sikkim. The team assessed nine of the 16 most vulnerable glacial lakes located across Lachen, Lachung, and West Sikkim, identified through prior studies. The endeavor aligns with the state’s broader disaster preparedness campaigns—Sikkim Himtal Mission, Surakshit Sikkim, and Samrath Sikkim—that aim to build local capacity and reduce reliance on external resources by empowering communities and training residents to operate equipment independently.

Dr. Tambe provided insights into Sikkim’s overall glacial lake landscape, noting that out of 320 glacial lakes, 16 are marked for advanced assessment due to potential hazard levels. He outlined the state’s robust four-step testing approach, which includes initial analysis, in-depth testing, targeted risk mitigation treatments, and the construction of check dams for added security. These risk management efforts are tailored to Sikkim’s unique topography, which demands both innovative infrastructure solutions—such as water channels and dam stability measures—and community-based interventions.

The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation has played a crucial role in strengthening local skills, particularly in equipment usage and maintaining monitoring stations. Pierre-Yves Pitteloud of SDC praised the resilience of Sikkim’s authorities and local communities, reinforcing SDC’s long-standing commitment to Sikkim’s sustainable development. Moreover, Christoph Haemming discussed the recent loss of monitoring stations due to flooding at South Lhonak, noting that SDC has since installed new pressure-sensitive probes and monitoring technology at Shako Chu Lake, advancing Sikkim’s disaster preparedness efforts.