16 high-risk glacial lakes in Sikkim: How state plans to prevent GLOF disaster after NDMA warning

Sikkim is moving from assessing glacial lake risks to implementing engineering solutions aimed at reducing the threat of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). With 40 high-risk glacial lakes identified in the state, authorities have proposed three key interventions; solar-powered pumping at Shako Chho, a flood-retention structure at Dolma Sampa in the Lhonak Valley, and a safety wall near the Gurudongmar lake complex. Here’s how Sikkim’s new mitigation strategy aims to reduce the volume, speed and destructive force of potential GLOF events.