Sikkim CM and MP thank Centre for Budget promise for Sikkim to recover from GLOF

Agencies, 23th July, 2024: In response to the catastrophic Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) that ravaged Sikkim, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced today that substantial financial aid will be allocated to the state in the General Budget for 2024-2025.

In her budget speech, Sitharaman stated the central government's commitment to supporting Sikkim's recovery, announcing dedicated funds for disaster relief and infrastructure rebuilding. This financial aid is aimed at addressing the extensive damage caused by the flash floods and assisting in the state’s rebuilding efforts.

Chief Minister of Sikkim, Prem Singh Tamang, expressed his gratitude towards the Centre on Tuesday for its support to the state following the presentation of the Union Budget 2024-25 by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The budget pledges the allocation of funds for aiding the recovery of Sikkim from the devastating Glacial Lake Outburst Flood that struck the state in October 2023.

He also acknowledged the essential financial support and assistance already provided. “We are thankful to the Centre for addressing the concerns outlined in our report submitted to the Union Government and the Home Minister. The relief support announced today is a significant boost for Sikkim’s recovery efforts,” the Chief Minister said.

Prem Singh Tamang also praised the Union Budget for its inclusiveness, noting its positive impact on various sectors including youth, the underprivileged, and farmers. “The Budget is comprehensive and beneficial for all segments of society. I congratulate the Centre for their efforts and support,” he said.

Member of Parliament Indra Hang Subba, representing the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha, took to X (formerly Twitter) today to express his gratitude to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for addressing the devastating impact of Sikkim’s recent flash floods in her budget speech. Subba praised Sitharaman for the significant relief measures included for the state in the General Budget 2024-2025.

Subba praised Sitharaman for addressing the devastating impact of Sikkim's recent flash floods in her budget speech, highlighting the significant relief measures included for the state in the General Budget 2024-2025.

The disaster struck on October 3, 2023, when South Lhonak Lake, located at an altitude of 17,000 feet in northwest Sikkim, burst after continuous heavy rainfall. This rupture unleashed a massive torrent into downstream regions, leading to severe flooding in the Teesta River. The flood severely affected four districts: Mangan, Gangtok, Pakyong, and Namchi, as reported by the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA).

The disaster struck on October 3, 2023, when South Lhonak Lake, located at an altitude of 17,000 feet in northwest Sikkim, burst after continuous heavy rainfall. This rupture unleashed a massive torrent into downstream regions, leading to severe flooding in the Teesta River. The flood severely affected four districts: Mangan, Gangtok, Pakyong, and Namchi, as reported by the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA).

The flooding further damaged the Chungthang Hydro-Dam on the Teesta River, compounding the destruction and displacement across the region. Addressing the crisis, Sitharaman emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting Sikkim’s recovery efforts. The new budget includes dedicated funds for disaster relief and infrastructure rebuilding to aid the state’s reconstruction and recovery process.