Sikkim's Naga village still in disarray a year after Glacial Lake Outburst Flood

A Naga village located in the remote regions of North Sikkim remains in a state of disarray a year after the devastating Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) on October 3, 2023.
 

A ground report on the ongoing struggles faced by the community has been provided by former Chairman Nim Tshering Lepcha, a long-time resident of the village.
 

The GLOF, a catastrophic event triggered by the sudden release of water from a glacial lake, swept through Naga village displacing its residents and leaving their properties in ruins. The flood not only destroyed homes but also severely impacted the local infrastructure, exacerbating the hardships of the Lepcha people who have called this region home for centuries.
 

While temporary settlements have been provided to the displaced families, Lepcha argues that these measures are insufficient. 
 

He said, "The temporary shelters are not a long-term solution," further adding, "The government must prioritize permanent rehabilitation for the affected families. The residents of Naga village have been uprooted from their ancestral lands and need stable, permanent housing to rebuild their lives."
 

Lepcha's concerns extend beyond housing. The condition of the local roads crucial for the region’s connectivity and security, remains deplorable. "The roads here are in dire need of repair and upgrade," Lepcha explains. 
 

"Given that this area is a border region, the quality of our roads is a significant issue. Despite promises and alternative plans, progress has been stalled for over ten months."
 

Compounding the problem is the stalled Bharatmala project, a key initiative aimed at enhancing national highways and improving border road infrastructure. Lepcha highlights that the project survey has been pending for 2-3 years without any visible progress. "The Bharatmala project is critical for our national highway network," he said. "The delay in its implementation is unacceptable. This road is not just vital for local connectivity but also for national security."
 

The contrasting pace of development is troubling. On the Chinese side of the border, a four-lane road is being constructed, while on the Indian side, the roads remain in disrepair. "This disparity poses a significant risk to our national security," Lepcha said. "The government must treat this matter with the urgency it deserves."
 

Lepcha's appeal to the Government of India is clear and urgent. He calls for immediate action on both the permanent rehabilitation of Naga village residents and the accelerated construction and improvement of border roads. "The people of Naga village have faced immense hardship," he says. "It is time for the government to address these issues seriously and ensure that the necessary support and infrastructure are put in place."