DST organises media sensitisation workshop on GLOF risk mitigation

HISHEY WANGDI

GANGTOK, :The Department of State Science and Technology (DST) organised a media sensitisation workshop on Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) risk mitigation in Gangtok on Thursday.

The workshop was aimed at sensitising media representatives on issues related to GLOF risk mitigation and strengthening awareness and understanding of glacial flood risks in the State.

SDTprincipal director D.G. Shrestha delivered a detailed presentation on the department’s studies on glacial lakes and the measures being undertaken to mitigate GLOF risks in the State.

During his presentation, Shrestha highlighted the vulnerability of Sikkim’s high altitude glacial lakes and the need for continuous scientific assessment, monitoring and early-warning mechanisms to minimise risks to downstream communities.

He spoke about the scientific studies undertaken by the department to understand the condition and behaviour of potentially hazardous glacial lakes. The studies involve assessment of lake characteristics, surrounding terrain, hydrology and other factors that could contribute to a possible GLOF event.

The DST has been conducting multidisciplinary expeditions to high-risk glacial lakes, collecting bathymetric, geological, geophysical, hydrological, geomorphological and meteorological data to strengthen GLOF hazard and risk assessment, said Shrestha.

Shrestha also highlighted the importance of GLOF modelling, hazard assessment, early warning systems and mitigation planning. The studies are intended to provide scientific inputs for identifying vulnerable areas and developing appropriate measures to protect lives, infrastructure and livelihoods downstream.

The State has prioritised high risk glacial lakes for detailed assessment and preparation of mitigation plans. Following the 2023 South Lhonak GLOF, the government has intensified scientific investigations and mitigation efforts, with 16 Category-A high risk glacial lakes identified under the National Disaster Management Authority framework being prioritised for detailed assessment.

The presentation also underlined the importance of coordination among government departments, scientific institutions, disaster management agencies and local communities in addressing GLOF risks.

During the workshop, DST chief engineer Asim Basnet made a detailed presentation on the department’s mitigation proposal for GLOF prone areas in the State.

Basnet outlined the proposed measures aimed at reducing the potential impact of GLOF events and protecting downstream communities, infrastructure and other critical assets. He explained that the mitigation strategy has been formulated based on scientific assessments of vulnerable glacial lakes and their surrounding areas.

The presentation focused on the need for site specific mitigation measures, taking into consideration the characteristics of individual glacial lakes, downstream settlements and infrastructure, as well as possible flood pathways. Recent assessments in Sikkim have also identified specific high-risk areas where detailed mitigation measures are being considered.

Basnet emphasised the importance of combining structural and non-structural measures with continuous monitoring and early warning mechanisms. Such interventions, he said, would help strengthen preparedness and reduce risks in the event of a sudden glacial lake outburst.

The mitigation proposal is part of the State’s wider efforts to strengthen GLOF preparedness following the 2023 South Lhonak GLOF, which highlighted the vulnerability of downstream areas to glacial lake related hazards.

SSDMA special secretary-cum-director Prabhakar Rai elaborated on the role of the authority during natural disasters and stressed the importance of preparedness, coordination and timely response to minimise loss of life and property.

Rai explained that SSDMA works in coordination with various line departments, district administrations and other agencies during disasters. He emphasised that effective disaster management requires clear communication, coordinated response and prompt action from all stakeholders.

He highlighted the importance of preparedness before a disaster occurs, including identifying vulnerable areas, developing evacuation plans, strengthening early-warning mechanisms and ensuring that communities are adequately informed about possible hazards.

Rai also stressed the need for community participation and public awareness, particularly in a state like Sikkim that remains vulnerable to landslides, flash floods, earthquakes and other natural hazards. He said that awareness among local communities can play a crucial role in ensuring timely evacuation and reducing casualties during emergencies.

He further underlined the importance of maintaining seamless communication between authorities during a disaster so that warnings and directions reach people on the ground without delay. The SSDMA has also emphasised coordination among nodal officers to ensure systematic workflow during natural calamities.

DST principal secretary Dr. Sandeep Tambe briefed media representatives on the various initiatives and ongoing works of the department. He outlined the department’s work in science and technology, climate and glacier studies, disaster risk reduction, remote sensing, biotechnology, technology transfer, research and capacity building. The DST’s mandate includes promoting scientific research and facilitating the application of appropriate technologies for the State’s development, he said.