Sikkim steps up glacier monitoring efforts following 2023 GLOF tragedy

In the aftermath of the catastrophic Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in 2023, the Government of Sikkim has significantly intensified its glacier and lake monitoring mechanisms to mitigate future disaster risks. Addressing the media at a press conference today, Prabhakar Rai, Director of the Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department, outlined the state’s ongoing initiatives, backed by national and international support.

Rai confirmed that Sikkim, with technical collaboration from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and global partners, has been systematically monitoring 16 glacial lakes categorized as high-risk. Due to the rugged terrain and logistical constraints, nine of these lakes have been accessed for intensive study.

Among the priority lakes, South Lonak and Sakhochu have been equipped with state-of-the-art automated weather stations. These stations transmit real-time data—such as temperature variations, water levels, and time-lapse imagery—to both Sikkim’s State Disaster Management Authority (SSDA) and international monitoring hubs, including those in Switzerland. The data is fed into GIS-based platforms capable of detecting anomalies that may indicate impending lake breaches or floods.

“The automated systems provide immediate alerts if unusual changes are observed, ensuring we can activate timely warnings and evacuations,” said Rai. He emphasized the importance of coordination with the Army Liaison Officer and other agencies for disaster response preparedness in the region.

Following lessons learned from last year’s disaster, Sikkim has upgraded its early warning infrastructure. Vulnerable riverbank communities are now covered by an active public alert system using sirens and loudspeakers to facilitate rapid evacuation and minimize panic.

On the financial front, Rai reassured the public that the state has adequate resources to support these monitoring efforts and is prepared to tap into central government funds if additional support becomes necessary.