Sikkim's journey to heal: One year after Glacial Lake Outburst Flood

A year after the devastating Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) that struck on October 3, 2023, the remote village of Naga in North Sikkim is still struggling with the aftermath. 

In an exclusive conversation with India Today NE, Sonam Ditchu Bhutia, the SP of Mangan Sikkim, shared crucial updates regarding the recovery efforts and ongoing challenges faced by the local communities.

The GLOF incident, triggered by heavy rains that caused the South Lhonak Lake, located at an altitude of 17,000 feet, to rupture, resulted in a catastrophic flood. Villages like Naga, Toong, and Rel were devastated leading to significant casualties and widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure. Reports indicate that at least 92 people were confirmed dead in the disaster.

Bhutia said that local road connectivity via Dzongu Shipgyor has reopened for residents, marking a significant milestone for the community. "After a year of hardship following the GLOF incident, road connectivity is now opening for local people via Dzongu Shipgor. Meetings are ongoing to assess the possibilities for reopening the road for tourists after October 15," he said.

However, he pointed out that the primary challenge remains the Munshithang landslides, which obstruct the route to Lachen, a popular destination for travelers. While alternative routes are being considered, the focus is on restoring main highway connectivity, especially the crucial NH310 that connects Lachung and Lachen.

Prem Bahadur Darjee, a resident of Naga who now resides in rented accommodations in Mangan, expressed the collective struggles of the affected families. He said that three main villages: Toong, Naga and Rel: under the 14 Toong Naga Gram Panchayat Unit were completely destroyed. "The authorities have concluded meetings, and affected families from Toong will receive land nearby. Similar arrangements are being made for the other two areas," Darjee said.

Despite these developments, Darjee said  that approximately 10 to 15 families still live in temporary accommodations, such as the Teesta Hydro project's facilities and rented houses in Mangan. The ongoing displacement of families highlights the urgent need for permanent rehabilitation solutions.

District Collectorate, Mangan District Ananth Jain spoke about the government's response to the disaster. "We have completed a survey for rehabilitation lands, proposing a total of 12.4 hectares to the Land Revenue Department for 113 families. This land allocation aims to facilitate the resettlement of families affected by the flood," he said.

Jain acknowledged the difficulties faced by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in restoring the main highway connecting Lachung and Lachen, citing persistent rainfall as a significant hindrance. He reassured that small vehicles are currently plying through the alternative route for local residents, while the authorities are waiting for the rainy season to end before allowing tourists to return.

The South Lhonak Lake GLOF is a reminder of the vulnerability of glacial lakes in the Himalayan region. As climate change accelerates the melting of glaciers, these lakes can swell, creating risks for downstream communities. GLOFs occur when water stored behind a glacier or moraine is released suddenly, leading to catastrophic flooding.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has stated the importance of monitoring glacial lakes to mitigate risks. They advocate for establishing early warning systems, public awareness programs, and international cooperation to share knowledge and strategies for GLOF risk reduction.

Historically, Sikkim has faced several GLOF incidents. The tragedy of 2023 has prompted the state government to accelerate rehabilitation efforts and invest in infrastructure to safeguard against future disasters. The Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) has been at the forefront of these initiatives, coordinating with various stakeholders to address the needs of affected communities.

In February 2013, scientists first observed signs of vulnerability at South Lhonak Lake, highlighting the need for proactive measures. A subsequent plan, led by visionary innovator Sonam Wangchuk, aimed to siphon excess water from the lake, successfully reducing its volume by about 50%. However, the avalanche that triggered the recent GLOF underscores the unpredictable nature of such disasters.

As recovery efforts continue, the determination of the Lepcha people and other affected communities shines through. Former Naga village Chairman Nim Tshering Lepcha spoke the community's need for permanent solutions. "The temporary shelters are not a long-term solution. The government must prioritize permanent rehabilitation for the affected families," he said.

In light of the disaster, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had announced the release of Rs 5,858.60 crore to 14 flood-affected states, including Sikkim. Additionally, the central government approved a Rs 23 crore allocation as part of the Central share from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and advances from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).

As Sikkim embarks on its recovery journey, the commitment of local leaders, government officials and community members is evident. With plans in place for land allocation and infrastructure restoration, there is hope for a brighter future for the affected families of Naga, Toong, and Rel. 

In the words of Sonam Ditchu Bhutia, “We are working tirelessly to restore normalcy and rebuild our communities. The road ahead may be challenging, but together, we will rise from this tragedy stronger than before.”