Sikkim’s State Climate Change Cell has identified 19 potentially dangerous glacial lakes within the state’s borders, stressing the urgent need for comprehensive monitoring and preventive measures.
This revelation follows a scientific expedition by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of Sikkim, to the East Rathong Glacier in West Sikkim.
The expedition, which commenced on June 22, 2024, is part of the National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE) and aims to provide critical insights into glacier dynamics and the risks of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).
The East Rathong Glacier, located in Gyalshing district within the Khangchendzonga National Park at an elevation of 4,600 to 6,700 meters, is a prime focus due to its significant GLOF potential.
Led by a team of distinguished scientists and researchers from the DST, the expedition employs state-of-the-art technology to ensure precise and accurate data collection.
This vital initiative underscores the core objective of the Sikkim State Climate Change Cell: minimizing the threat of GLOFs in the region.
The East Rathong Glacier, a valley-type glacier with an average width of approximately 800 meters, lies in Gyalshing district and is one of the sources of the Rangit River.
The glacier covers an area of 4.8 square kilometers and stretches 7 kilometers in length, with a total catchment area of 19.8 square kilometers up to the gauging site.
The expedition to the glacier involves a three-day trek from Yuksom, the last motorable village in West Sikkim.
Since 2012, the DST’s Science and Technology Department has been conducting long-term monitoring of the East Rathong Glacier.
Field research is conducted biannually, allowing scientists to gather extensive data on glacier dynamics and associated risks.
This year’s expedition includes a comprehensive scientific study of three potentially vulnerable glacial lakes: Rathong Lake, Bhaley Pokhari, and Tikip La Lake.
Major objectives include conducting bathymetric surveys of these lakes, installing stakes to study glacier velocity, examining the vertical retreat of the East Rathong Glacier, analysing the glacio-hydrology of the meltwater stream, and maintaining and upgrading the automatic weather station installed at the glacier.
The catastrophic flood on October 4, 2023, which caused significant damage to infrastructure and disrupted communities, highlighted the urgent need for such studies.
“The threats associated with climate change are evident, and more are likely to emerge in the future,” said Dr. Sandeep Tambe, Secretary of the DST, Government of Sikkim.
“Such proactive scientific expeditions are essential to ensure the Government of Sikkim’s vision of Sunaulo Sikkim, Samriddha Sikkim.” Tambe added.
The findings from this expedition are expected to enrich scientific knowledge and inform policies and strategies for climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction in Sikkim.
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