Sikkim High Court calls on Centre, State to install early warning systems for 40 high-risk glacial lakes

The Sikkim High Court recently urged the State and Central governments to install early warning systems for 40 high-risk glacial lakes in the State to mitigate the threat of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) [Re- Climatic Justice in the State of Sikkim].

A Division Bench of Chief Justice A Muhamed Mustaque and Justice Bhaskar Raj Pradhan emphasised the need for such early warning systems to prevent a recurrence of glacial lake outburst floods such as the October 2023 disaster at South Lhonak Lake.

"It is seen that certain Indian States i.e. Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Bhutan have already installed early warning systems for mitigating GLOF disaster risk. We persuade the State Government as well as the Central Government to immediately take steps towards procuring and installing such early warning systems to prevent a recurrence of a calamity like the one that struck Sikkim in October, 2023," said the Court.

The October 2023 GLOF at South Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim had triggered massive flooding along the Teesta River. The floods had damaged the Chungthang dam, washed away bridges and parts of National Highway 10, and caused widespread destruction across four districts, killing several people.

In its November 5 order, the Court sought a response from the State government on the steps taken to address the risks posed by 40 high-risk glacial lakes. It also asked the State to consider a proposal to appoint five nodal officers to oversee these lakes.

The proposal, made by amicus curiae Advocate Sudhir Mishra, proposed one senior nodal officer within the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA), assisted by four officers, each overseeing ten lakes. They would coordinate early warnings, disaster preparedness, monitoring of glacial movements and data collection from government departments.

Additionally, the Court raised concerns over the impact of climate change on Sikkim's black cardamom cultivation.

It referred to an October 11 report published by The Economic Times which highlighted the declining health of black cardamom plantations in the State.

The report attributed the decline to changing weather patterns, including warmer winters and unpredictable rainfall, which have made plants more vulnerable to diseases. It also highlighted the impact on farmers' livelihoods, noting that black cardamom remains an important source of income for rural households in Sikkim.

Before passing any directions on the issue, the Court sought a response from the State government on the steps taken under the 'Mero Alaichi, Mero Dhan' (My Cardamom, My Wealth) initiative, which aims to revive cardamon cultivation.

"We are of the view that climate change would cause many such issues and it should be addressed in right earnest," observed the Court.

The matter will be next heard on November 18.

Senior advocates Dr. Doma T Bhutia and TR Barfungpa and advocate Sudhir Mishra appeared as amicii curiae, assisted by advocates Saurav Rai, Sonam Topden Bhutia, Parvin Manger, Ritwika Nanda, Petal Chandhok and Aadya Sharma.

The State was represented by Additional Advocates General Aarohi Bhalla and Zangpo Sherpa, Government Advocate SK Chettri and Assistant Government Advocate Sujan Sunwar.

Deputy Solicitor General of India Sangita Pradhan along with advocates Natasha Pradhan and Amit Kumar Sharma appeared for the Central government authorities.

[Read Order]