A year after GLOF, north Sikkim yet to return to normal

Sujal Pradhan, EOI, Gangtok, October 3, 2024 :  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 to return to normal life. The local road connectivity via Dzongu Shipgyor has finally been reopened for residents.

"After a year of hardship following the GLOF, 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," Superintendent of Police of Mangan District Sonam Ditchu Bhutia said on Thursday.

The primary challenge, however, continues to be the Munshithang landslides, which are obstructing the route to Lachen, a popular destination for travelers. While alternative routes are being considered, the focus remains on restoring main highway connectivity, especially NH 310 that connects Lachung and Lachen.

Prem Bahadur Darjee, a resident of Naga now living in rented accommodation in Mangan, recalled the struggles of the affected families. Three large villages—Toong, Naga, and Rel—within the Toong Naga Gram Panchayat Unit area were completely destroyed by the GLOF. "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.

He noted that approximately 10 to 15 families are still living in temporary accommodations, such as facilities of the Teesta hydro project and rented houses in Mangan. The ongoing displacement of families highlights the urgent need for permanent rehabilitation. "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 is meant to facilitate the resettlement of families affected by the flood," District Collector Mangan Ananth Jain said.

Jain acknowledged the difficulties faced by the Border Roads Organisation in restoring the main highway connecting Lachung and Lachen, with persistent rainfall causing significant hindrances. He mentioned that small vehicles are currently plying through the alternative route for local residents, while authorities are waiting for the rainy season to end before allowing tourists to return.

Former Naga village Chairman Nim Tshering Lepcha emphasized the need for a permanent solution for the affected people. "The temporary shelters are not a long-term solution. The government must prioritize permanent rehabilitation for the affected families," he said.

“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,” Sonam Ditchu Bhutia stated.

The South Lhonak Lake GLOF serves as 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.