Sikkim sets up high-level commission to tackle glacial hazards

The Sikkim government has established a 13-member high-level Commission on Glacial Hazards, a move aimed at protecting the state from future glacial disasters. 
 

The decision comes after the devastating glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) that hit the state on October 4, 2023. The disaster, caused by the sudden breach of the South Lhonak Lake, claimed several lives, displaced many families, and destroyed roads, bridges, and other infrastructure.
 

The new Commission is chaired by Dr. Akhilesh Gupta, who previously served as a senior advisor to the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. It includes experts from different fields such as glaciology, climate science, and disaster risk management. Senior officials from both the central and state governments are also part of the team. Agencies like the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the State Forest Department, and the Swiss Development Corporation (SDC) are involved as well.
 

One of the Commission’s most important plans is to build a safety system for the Korong-Kanchendzonga glacial lake complex. This is a chain of interconnected glacial lakes that could pose serious danger if even one lake breaches. Dhiren G. Shrestha, the Principal Director of the Department of Science and Technology in Sikkim, said that the system will be specially designed to prevent a chain reaction of floods. If one lake bursts, the structure will make sure the damage doesn’t spread downstream to other lakes and rivers.
 

According to Shrestha, the Himalayan region is very delicate, and using heavy machinery or large dams may do more harm than good. So instead of building large structures, the Commission is looking at smaller, eco-friendly options. These include solar-powered water pumps, pipelines to control water levels, and early warning systems that can alert people before a flood happens. These technologies are more suitable for high-altitude areas and will not harm the environment.
 

Members of the Commission have already visited the flood-hit areas of Rangpo and Singtam. They met with local people, village heads, former councillors, and others who were affected by the flood. These discussions gave the team a better understanding of what the communities need and what solutions might actually work on the ground. A major meeting was also held on June 21, where scientists, state officials, Indian Army and ITBP officers came together to share observations and offer suggestions.
 

The Commission is expected to complete its final report by December 2025. The report will be a complete guide to managing and reducing glacial risks in Sikkim. It will also look at similar disasters around the world, and suggest what policies Sikkim can adopt to stay prepared. The report will clearly mention the duties of different departments and recommend how to raise money for these safety projects. Funding proposals are already being prepared, with support from the Ministry of Jal Shakti and institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
 

Apart from the Commission’s work, other efforts are going on at the same time. The Department of Science and Technology is working with SDC, NDMA, and other organisations to speed up early warning systems and long-term planning. On June 21, the Commission briefed Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) about their progress. The Chief Minister assured that the state government would fully support the recommendations and work to implement them without delay.
 

Shrestha said that it is very important to include local knowledge and involve community members in planning these projects. “We need solutions that make sense for the people living here,” he said. “Good planning is only the first step. To make these ideas work, we also need proper funding and strong teamwork between all departments.”