Sikkim identifies 16 high-risk glacial lakes and plans lake-specific safeguards
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Where it stands
Sikkim said on 3 September 2026 that 16 glacial lakes carry high risk. National studies identified 189 vulnerable lakes across India. Forty of these lakes are in Sikkim. State teams completed detailed studies for 13 lakes. Three lakes remain inaccessible on foot. Sikkim has prepared separate mitigation plans for Shako Cho, the Lhonak complex and the Gurudongmar complex. Proposed measures include lowering lake water, stabilising moraine dams and retaining floodwater downstream. The Central Water Commission has proposed 10 early-warning systems. The state is also preparing a floodplain zoning law. The listed measures are proposals or works in progress.
Background
Glaciers can leave lakes behind as ice retreats. Rock and loose sediment often hold the water in place. An earthquake, icefall or rising water can break this natural barrier. The sudden release is a glacial lake outburst flood. South Lhonak Lake released such a flood on 3-4 October 2023. Sikkim reported damage worth ₹18,555 crore. The disaster damaged roads, bridges and hydropower assets.
How it developed
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Night of 3-4 October 2023How it started
South Lhonak flood drives a new programme for glacial-lake risk
South Lhonak Lake released a glacial lake outburst flood during the night of 3-4 October 2023. Sikkim later put the damage assessment at ₹18,555 crore. The event became the basis for the state's current lake studies and mitigation work.
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3 September 2026New fact
State maps 16 high-risk lakes and prepares three mitigation plans
Sikkim presented its latest risk work on 3 September 2026. National studies identified 189 vulnerable lakes across India. Forty are in Sikkim. State teams classified 16 as high risk. Field teams completed detailed studies for 13 lakes. Three lakes cannot be reached on foot. Sikkim prepared separate mitigation plans for Shako Cho, the Lhonak complex and the Gurudongmar complex. The Central Water Commission proposed 10 early-warning systems. Sikkim is also preparing a floodplain zoning law.
Why it matters for UPSC
For GS1 and GS3, connect glacier retreat with Himalayan disaster risk. Remote sensing screens lakes before field teams measure depth, slopes and dam strength. A hazard list guides monitoring, early warnings and engineering plans without predicting an immediate flood.
Key terms
Sources (2)
- Press Information Bureau · official · DST, Govt. of Sikkim Organises One-Day Media Sensitisation Workshop on GLOF Risk Mitigation in Gangtok4 Sep, 2:25 pm
- Business Standard · Sikkim identifies 40 high-hazard glacial lakes, 16 at highest risk4 Sep, 2:25 pm