Himalayan Disasters Raise Concerns Over Safety of North Bengal's River Basins

MP, Nov 14, 2026, Jalpaiguri: The growing threat of glacial lake outbursts, erratic rainfall and other climate-related disasters in the Himalayas has raised serious concerns over the safety of North Bengal's river basins. Experts warn that disasters originating in the mountains could put downstream settlements, tea gardens, agricultural land and critical infrastructure at risk.

The recent incident involving a sudden release of water from Lake Sintaphu in Bhutan has once again highlighted the region's vulnerability.

On October 29, a massive volume of water surged out of the lake in Bhutan's Gasa district, damaging roads and bridges. The water flowed through the Maphu River towards the Sankosh, prompting flood alerts in parts of West Bengal and Assam.

The Central Water Commission also issued a special alert, with authorities taking precautions in Alipurduar and Assam's Dhubri district.

The incident brought back memories of the October 4, 2023, Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) from South Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim. The disaster devastated the Teesta basin, washing away bridges and damaging roads, settlements and hydropower projects. Its impact extended from Sikkim to the plains of North Bengal.

Fresh concerns emerged after the Sikkim High Court, on November 5, stressed the urgent need for early warning systems for 40 high-risk glacial lakes in the state.

The court also emphasised better disaster management and coordination between the Centre and state governments.

Researcher and academic Dr Debarshi Ghosh said Himalayan rivers must be monitored as interconnected basin systems.

"Simply monitoring water levels in the plains is not enough to provide a complete warning of impending danger. Regular scientific monitoring must begin at the source of these rivers in the mountains, and arrangements must be made to ensure that the information reaches the administration in the downstream areas without delay," he said.

North Bengal's major rivers, including the Teesta, Torsa, Jaldhaka, Raidak and Sankosh, have distinct basin characteristics.

Experts believe satellite monitoring of glacial lakes, automated water-level systems, integrated weather and river-flow data, and coordination among India, Bhutan and Sikkim are essential.

Experts stress that disaster preparedness must begin in the mountains, long before rising water levels threaten the plains.