Community-Led Call to Action: 290 Signatures urging Immediate Disaster Mitigation in the Teesta Valley submitted by Darjeeling Himalaya Initiative and SaveTheHills

 

The following memorandum signed by 290 persons from Kalimpong, Darjeeling, and Sikkim has been submitted by Darjeeling Himalaya Initative and SaveTheHills to the Chairs of the NDMA, SDMA W Bengal and SDMA Sikkim:
_______________________________________

The Teesta Valley GLOF Disaster of October 2023: Impacts and Urgent Mitigation Needs Ahead of the 2025 Monsoons.

The Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) and the subsequent hydro-power dam breach in the Teesta Valley in October 2023 brought widespread devastation, leading to tragic loss of life, severe damage to livelihoods  and assets as well unaccounted ecological devastation across Sikkim and West Bengal.

The disaster caused significant destruction to the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation’s (NHPC) infrastructure, agricultural land, forests, riverine ecosystems, transportation routes, and even critical military installations (Much of the devastation caused by the GLOF is documented in SaveTheHills’ blog http://savethehills.blogspot.com) Yet, despite the scale of the disaster, the response from state and central authorities have been inadequate, especially long term rehabilitation and restoration interventions at the relief, infrastructure and ecological level.
To further elucidate, we cite the case of fifty six families in the Teesta Valley (Kalimpong district)  who were displaced by the floods in Oct2023 and still continue to reside in relief centres. For these people who depended on the river for their survival, displacement has worsened their economic stability, and every day existence becomes a struggle for survival. Prolonged uncertainty worsens their mental distress, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions to restore their houses and livelihoods.
NH10, the lifeline of Kalimpong and Sikkim remained perilously unstable for much of the monsoons season and diversion of traffic from Sikkim via alternate routes added avoidable burden on transport services, infrastructure as well as the communities along the route.These vulnerabilities were exposed again almost throughout 2024 monsoon season and has severely reduced the tourist traffic to the region impacting  the economy of the Sikkim and Darjeeling Himalaya.

With only six months remaining before the 2025 monsoon, there is an urgent need to implement both structural and non-structural mitigation measures throughout the Teesta Valley. Effective action now can significantly reduce the impact of future floods, as such the implementation of these measures both in Sikkim and West Bengal in the valley is a vital necessity.
Central assistance will be imperative simply because the scale and complexity of the problem cannot be tackled at the state level.
The important issues at hand are listed below:

The Case for a Joint Sikkim-West Bengal Committee on Teesta Valley Flood Management

The October 2023 GLOF was one of the most severe glacial floods in the history of the Himalaya, affecting both Sikkim and West Bengal and needs to be responded to at a landscape level that is inclusive of both states. Each monsoon season, the Teesta River poses serious threats to both states, making collaborative management of the river and its surrounding regions essential.
A joint committee from both the states could address common issues and implement coordinated disaster management strategies that benefit both states.

Formation of an Expert Task Force

A dedicated task force of experts, drawn from geo-hydrology, environmental science, engineering, and sociology, should be formed to tackle the many challenges brought about by the GLOF. This task force must develop a comprehensive action plan that includes technical, financial, and social solutions for restoring and fortifying the region.

Structural Mitigation Measures

Construction of Embankments, Protection Walls, and Barriers

Embankments and barriers are urgently needed in low-lying, high-risk areas to prevent river overflow into settlements. Populated areas in the valley which are particularly vulnerable to flooding such as  those below the Teesta bridge along the Darjeeling-Kalimpong road, must be identified and remedial engineering solutions applied.

Channeling the River Flow

The natural flow of the Teesta River was disrupted by debris buildup from the GLOF, leading to riverbank overflow. The river must be re-channelized to prevent further damage to urban areas and infrastructure. Experts in fluvial geo-morphology and hydrological engineering can assist in deepening, widening, and redirecting the river to safer channels. NHPC’s technical expertise can be instrumental in this effort.

Road Engineering and Restoration

NH10, the key highway linking Siliguri and Gangtok, suffered extensive damage during the GLOF, resulting in economic losses and supply chain disruptions. Immediate restoration of this critical artery must be prioritized, along with repairs to alternative routes that have also deteriorated due to increased traffic and monsoonal impacts.

Bridge Repair and Reconstruction

The destruction of bridges in Sikkim and West Bengal has cut off many communities, hindering both economic activity and disaster relief efforts. Repair and reinforcement of these vital structures must be completed before the next monsoon season.

Reinforcement of Evacuation Centers and Relief Camps

Many evacuation centers and relief camps need urgent repairs and enhancements, such as backup solar power, to ensure they remain operational in the event of future emergencies.

Non-Structural Mitigation Measures

Early Warning Systems (EWS) and Communication Networks

Installing automated flood early warning systems (FLEWS) that deliver real-time alerts through sirens and mobile networks is crucial. Backup communication methods, such as ham radios and walkie-talkies operated by trained personnel, should also be implemented to ensure effective communication during emergencies.

Land-Use Planning and Zoning

Certain low-lying areas will remain high-risk zones even with structural protections in place. These areas should be designated for potential evacuation and resettlement of at-risk communities. Adequate compensation as decided by the expert group should be provided to affected victims and necessary support given to those relocating.

Public Awareness and Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM)

Community preparedness is essential to build capacities and resilience during disasters. Awareness campaigns should educate residents on flood preparedness, evacuation procedures, and available insurance schemes. Additionally, evacuation drills must be regularly conducted to ensure communities can respond swiftly during emergencies.

Post-Disaster Financial Recovery Support

To aid in economic recovery, education on flood insurance and financial aid should be provided to residents and businesses, ensuring they have the tools to rebuild after a disaster.

Aggressive Afforestation Program

The GLOF caused widespread destruction of forests along the Teesta Valley. An aggressive reforestation initiative is needed to restore the valley’s ecosystem, prevent soil erosion, and help regulate the river's flow.

Conclusion

By implementing these crucial structural and non-structural mitigation measures, the Teesta Valley can be better prepared to withstand future monsoonal floods, protecting both lives and livelihoods. Urgent and coordinated action in the coming months is essential to prevent another disaster on the scale of the 2023 GLOF. The time to act is now, before the monsoons of 2025 arrive.

________________________________

We will submit the Memo to other officials as well.

Our thanks to all those who volunteered in making this community initiative possible

Praful Rao
Darjeeling Himalaya Initiative & SaveTheHills
9475033744

Roshan Rai
Darjeeling Himalaya Initiative
9932024812

Commemorating the 'Teesta Valley GLOF of 04Oct2023' with photos of the event and its aftermath.

A woman washes the money she recovered while scavenging for lost property in a flood affected area of Rangpo (Sikkim) on 06Oct2023 - photo credit Praveen

As I write, it is very early morning on 04Oct2024 and it was exactly at this time last year that I was up at my home in Kalimpong, trying to contact and verify with people, mainly in Sikkim, about whether a GLOF had actually taken place in the Teesta valley.
In the meantime my cellphone was receiving images and videos of the floods as the wall of water tore down the valley. Just verifying what was happening in order to report and record it accurately  kept me engaged the entire day and next, while my young friend and photographer Praveen Chhetri visited Teesta Bazar which the GLOF hit around 4am. He recorded the impact of the GLOF as it happened.
I did not know then that this process of recording the GLOF and its impact would keep us busy for an entire year but it has - and has required numerous visits to many parts of the Teesta valley including one trip made in Nov2023 to Chungthang where the 1200mw Sikkim Urja hydroelectric dam was destroyed by the GLOF.
What we have in this blog is perhaps the most comprehensive photographic record of what was the largest GLOF which took place in the Himalayas. Praveen and I certainly have hundreds of images, many videos and voice recordings of the interviews of affected people that we did during the course of the year.

    Interviewing an affected person who had lost everything to the GLOF - Rangpo (Sikkim), 06Oct2023.

This post, where I publish some photos is only to commemorate that momentous event which changed the lives of so many
Lest we forget...

Army personnel recovering buried vehicles at Bardang (Sikkim) on 06Oct2023. 22 army persons who were a part of a convoy were swept away by the GLOF here

Landslide affected areas of Naga, a village between Mangan(district headquarters, North Sikkim) and Chungthang in Nov2023 (telephoto image from opposite hill). The village was almost entirely evacuated during the monsoons of 2024.

A man crosses the Teesta river on a bamboo bridge at Toong, North Sikkim in Nov2023. The bridge connecting Chunthang to Mangan was torn down by the GLOF

GLOF affected areas between Chungthang and Lachen town where there was no impact of the Sikkim Urja dam burst. The scale of the devastation caused by the GLOF alone is apparent in the photo - photo courtesy Dathup, Lachen.

GLOF eroded parts of NH10 between Teesta bazar and Melli in Oct 2023. With the Teesta river running 4-5m above the pre-GLOF levels, the erosion of NH10 increased remarkably in 2024.

Debris and vegetation which the GLOF had dumped on top of the NHPC Stage V 510MW dam at Dikchu, SIkkim. The Teesta river 'over toppled ' ie went over the dam at this site.

Tree stumps and debris inside the NHPC Stage VI dam at Sirwani, Singtam (Sikkim), Nov2023

Vehicles strewn around like battered toys, on the banks of the Teesta at Singtam (Sikkim).

Part of Teesta town (Krishnagram or Bhasuwa) literally sliding slowly into the river - Sep2024

A marooned COVID hospital on the banks of the Teesta and Rangeet rivers at Tribeni, (Darjeeling district) - Sep2024. There is no road access to the hospital with the Teesta river having kept large parts of the access road submerged after the GLOF.

Rangpo town in Sept24. One year after the GLOF, parts of the town are still trying to recover. The river still flows uncomfortably close to the town and the police checkpost (green roofed structure on the top left is literally tilting into the river.

Undoubtedly one of the most iconic images of a GLOF.

Drone image taken by Praveen at around 11.00am on 04Oct2023 from the Teesta bridge when the GLOF was passing thru the area. As can be seen much of the Teesta bazar was already submerged.

Documentation of parts of the above report was supported by Royal Enfield, as part of their Social Mission Initiative


With
Praveen Chhetri (9733185815)

Praful Rao
SaveTheHills
9475033744
savethehills@gmail.com

Impact of the Teesta Valley GLOF: Photo feature on Krishnagram - a sinking zone in the Teesta Bazar (21-22Jul2024)

While we (Junkeri Studio with SaveTheHills) have featured this area as a part of numerous surveys of GLOF affected areas done in Oct2023, both of us visited the Krishnagram area of Teesta bazar again between 21-22July2024.

Bhasuwa (27 03 41.7 N 88 25 29.2 E, Elevn 248m) as the name implies, is a sinking area but the rate of subsidence increased dramatically after the Oct 2023 GLOF raised the Teesta river levels by 4-5m. The river now flows very close to Bhasuwa and as such the erosion at the base of the mountain and subsidence has increased. The place was renamed Krishnagram.

While reporters, politicians and engineers visit the destruction along the Darjeeling-Kalimpong road at Krishnagram, not many are aware of the plight of villagers living directly above the area. Here, a paralyzed elder brother lies on the floor of Mrs Ganga Sarki's (age 55yrs) home. She reports a numbing sense of desperation with nowhere to go, as her home falls apart.(Photo: Praveen)

A woman stands in her home which is rapidly being destroyed as a part of the hill at Krishnagram slowly slides into the Teesta river. Residents report being scared of the nights and of the terrifying sounds they hear as the cracks widen and nails come off wooden beams.(Photo Praveen)

Villagers evacuating to safer areas with whatever moveable property they can salvage as the cracks on the ground and walls become bigger.
Around 15 homes are affected in the village directly above the road at Krishnagram (Photo: Praveen)

The Community Hall at Krishnagram (earlier called Bhasuwa) on 21Jul2024. This hall was used as a Relief Centre, with many families staying here during the GLOF disaster of 04Oct2023. 

The buckled up and destroyed interior of the Community Hall at Krishnagram on 21Jul2024. This hall had 9 families living here during and after the GLOF disaster of Oct2023.

A resident in the Community Hall which was used as a Relief Centre on 10Oct2023 when we visited Teesta bazar. The floor was severely cracked even then but the subsidence of the ground has increased now with the river running wild during the monsoons.

The severely depressed and slumping part of the Darjeeling-Kalimpong road at Krishnagram (earlier Bhasuwa).The Community Hall is on the left while the home of Mr Tika Karki is on the right side of vehicle. Tika Karki has abandoned his home and lives with relatives in the bazar while his home itself has nearly keeled over in the last 24hrs or so.

The Darjeeling-Kalimpong road was closed on 22July2024 afternoon, after the cracks on the road increased significantly and a large tree here fell, due to the ground instability.(Photo: Praveen)

Another new unstable area is this spot (27 03 38.7 N 88 25 29.7 E Elevn 239m) on the Darjeeling-Kalimpong road, in close vicinity of the Teesta police station - again due to elevated levels of the river (post GLOF). (Photo taken from inside vehicle hence the streaks)

Updated DRONE images of Krishnagram (Bhasuwa)

The image shows the most severely affected area of Krishnagram at Teesta bazar. The road leads to Darjeeling (to the right) as well as the business center of Teesta bazar which is also affected by the river.

The image shows subsiding areas of Krishnagram above the Darjeeling-Kalimpong road.

The entire sinking area of Krishnagram, with the Teesta river continuously eroding the base of the hill.

Praful Rao along with Praveen Chhetri
SaveTheHills,
savethehills@gmail.com
9475033744

Impact of the Teesta Valley Glacial Lake Outburst Flood - Lachen (North Sikkim), the untold story

SaveTheHills (STH) and Junkeri Studio (JS) of Kalimpong have documented the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) disaster of 04Oct2023 extensively in this blog and while doing so we visited numerous places, maybe 20 or so in the Teesta Valley both in W Bengal and Sikkim.
On 17/18Nov2023 we were in Chungthang, North Sikkim where the GLOF destroyed the 1200MW Sikkim Urja dam and saw the humungous devastation there. We interviewed scores of people and photograph them and published the report in our blog – which has been well received all over.
Having gone that far, we were unable to visit Lachen, a small town 39 km north of Chungthang because the roads were totally destroyed by the GLOF. We did make an attempt but the road ceased to exist approximately 5 km north of Chungthang – the road continues to be non-operational even today.

On 17Feb2024 we were fortunate to meet Mr Dathup Lachenpa (DL) a person in the tourism business in Lachen; he had walked across to Chungthang from Lachen because there is still no motorable road.
He was in Kalimpong for brief while and we caught up with him to check how the GLOF impacted town of Lachen. Our interview with Mr Lachenpa:

STH/JS: Welcome, Dathup.
Firstly, can you tell us a bit about Lachen and what is the main source of livelihood there?
DL: The approximate population of Lachen is around 2000, the altitude of the town is approximately 9000’ and main source of livelihood is tourism but there are quite a few government contractors and employees as well.
STH/JS: Lachen was the first 'urban' centre which was hit by the GLOF from South Lhonak Glacier on 03Oct2023.Can you tell us whether you had any early warning regarding the floods since we know there was an Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) post further north who had issued alerts. Also approximately what time did the GLOF hit Lachen?
DL: I am not sure of the exact time when the GLOF hit us but it must have been around midnight – we were sleeping and heard this sound like a huge wind which woke us up. My home is a little above the town and when I went outside, there was no storm – the weather was quite clear and I could see stars in the sky. Since there was no storm but the loud noise persisted, I suspected something must be happening in the river and then I saw a lot of smoke rising there, that’s when I realized it maybe the river was overflowing or it was a landslide. I never expected the GLOF (from South Lhonak Lake) to be hitting us. I only realized in the morning that this was a major disaster when we went out towards the river and saw how much devastation was caused by the force of the river. At around 12.30am on 04Oct2023, the electricity and cell phone system went off. I expected a lot of damage by the impact but never on this scale of devastation.
STH/JS: How close is Lachen to the Teesta or more correctly Lachen Chu river? Is the town of Lachen on the banks of the river?
DL: Lachen town is located on higher ground, a little above the river.

Lachen town

STH/JS: Was there any destruction or damage to property or were there any fatalities in Lachen due to the GLOF?
DL: Yes, we ourselves lost a new home which we were constructing and I believe two labourers from Border Roads Organization (BRO)were swept away from the banks of the river at Zema.Zema is slightly north of Lachen towards the glacier.
STH/JS: And in all this you did not get any early warning whatsoever?
DL:As far as I know, we did not get any early warning.
STH/JS: Do you know if the government authorities or Phipon (Headman) received any early warning? - the ITBP post near the glacier sent some warnings, were they received at Lachen?
DL: The ITBP camp is located up there at Zanak 2, maybe they informed their people downstream but nobody informed us.
STH/JS: So what you are saying is that the casualties were limited and damage was less only because Lachen town is located at higher ground and the Lachen Chu or the Teesta river flows in a valley below.
DL: Yes
STH/JS: What is the damage to infrastructure and bridges around Lachen?
DL: There was a lot of damage. In Lachen, 4 bridges were washed away. 3 bridges connected Lachen to Chungthang and one connected us to Thangu.
STH/JS: Have these communication lines (bridges) been restored?
DL: Communication towards Thangu has been restored, with an army bailey bridge being constructed, so light vehicular traffic is now possible. This bridge is on the river bed and may not survive the monsoons so they are re-building the other one.
Three bridges towards Chungthang were washed away, so the route has been diverted and now there is only one bridge which has to be crossed at a place called Boonsoi, 10km south of Lachen. This RCC bridge at Boonsoi survived the flood.
STH/DL: We know that the BRO is working on the road from Chungthang northwards to Lachen. I believe the progress of this work is very slow and I also know people from Lachen are working on the road towards Chungthang.
DL: Yes, we (Lachen public) have succesfully completed one portion from Lachen towards Chunthang which was very difficult at a place called Taru. We encountered only solid rock there. The BRO helped us and we have managed to clear that section for vehicular traffic so the road upto Menchithang, a distance of approx 20km from Lachen is motorable. So now we have to walk 7-8kms after which we reach another motorable section towards Chungthang.
In this regard, the Lachenpas made three wooden bridges.

Local people together with BRO personnel carving out a new road from Lachen to Chunthang

The Lachenpa community constructing a wooden bridge across the Teesta river (also called Lachen Chu) at Zema to connect Lachen with Thangu. Notice the large landslide in the background

STH/JS: We know that Lachen was marooned for some time after the GLOF, can you tell us how many days you were totally cut off and how did people in Lachen survive?
DL: At that time almost 70% of the people were in Thangu, harvesting potatoes and radish and the rest were in Lachen. We habitually stock rations and that's how we survived - on stored rations.
STH/JS: Did the army or air force also help in ration supply?
DL: No, but they certainly helped with the evacuation - the relief material came from local people of Sikkim.
STH/JS: Were there any tourists in Lachen at that time and how were they evacuated?
DL: Yes we had around 500 tourists who were stranded in Lachen at that time; they were evacuated by AF choppers from Chatten (army base near Lachen).
STH/JS: What was the impact of the disaster on livelihoods of people?
DL: The impact is huge because we lost a lot of revenue in tourism – Oct to Dec is a big tourist season for us and we have lost these 3 months and we are not certain in 2024 as well, because road access to our area is still not possible.
STH/JS: Fortunately, it did not snow heavily in North Sikkim during this winter and as such you did not have much problems with ice-bound roads etc. How concerned are you about the forthcoming monsoons with the road condition being what it is? How will you manage your supplies?
DL: Getting supplies through thru Dongkha La pass (which is at 18,000’) would be impossible but what people do is that during the annual puja time in winters they buy a lot of rations from monks and stock up – also people in Lachen were stocking up dry rations like oil and rice from Menchithang etc thru porters who would carry the stuff. However, we would have a problem with LPG cylinders (even though we have fire wood) because people largely use gas for cooking these days.
STH/JS: What about health care issues in Lachen after the GLOF?
DL: Yes, this is a major concern. Recently a 27yr old man from Lachen died in a hospital in Siliguri because he had to be evacuated through Dongkha La pass (18,000’) when he was ill; this is a huge challenge for a sick person. So right now, we are most scared of falling sick in Lachen and hope that no one becomes unwell because we only have a primary health centre which does not have many facilities and presently, I don’t think we have a doctor there.
STH/JS: So what happens to the sick and elderly people at Lachen?
DL: (Chuckles) – We just pray that no one falls ill.
STH/JS: What about children’s education?
DL: They were at home during the winter holidays and have now returned to school – some of them went by car through Dongkha La pass others walked back to Chungthang etc – most of them, walked back I think, because they were scared of heights at Dongkha La.
STH/JS: The hikers trail for walking back (between Lachen and Chungthang) seems very precarious
DL: Yes, the footpath for walking is quite dangerous, if one slips there is no chance of survival – at many places the path is not more than a foot wide.

Makeshift wooden ladder which is used while walking from Lachen to Chungthang

Narrow and dangerous footpath which is being used by people who walk from / to Lachen today.

STH/JS: So how long do you from a layman’s perspective, expect the Chungthang – Lachen road to be restored?
DL: Our Chief Minister had promised that after rebuilding the bridge in Chungthang town, all the resources (machinery and manpower) would be diverted to the Lachen road. That has not happened. Yes, machines are there but not the type which is required to cut rock and so on. We were hoping that road communication would be restored within 2-3months but it has been 4 months and progress is very slow. With no heavy earth moving machinery at site, people are saying it may even take a year for the road to be restored.
STH/JS: Immediately after the disaster, were there any homeless people or was there any requirement for relief and shelter?
DL: Some areas and parts of roads especially in the bazar (town) were cracked and people were reluctant to live there, because of rumors and continuous landslides. So people shifted to relative's home at higher grounds near the monastery. However, there were no homes which were destroyed in Lachen.
Relief supplies as far as I can remember, came in after a week or so. I think this was contributions from locals in and around Sikkim and it was flown in by choppers.
STH/JS: Can you tell us more about the Chungthang-Lachen road status again?
DL: Before the GLOF, the Chungthang-Lachen trip used to take 1 hour by vehicle. Now we can travel by vehicle from both Lachen and Chungthang but the midsection is still not motorable and we have to walk that stretch and it takes us around 2hrs. The vehicles used are all SUVs with 4 wheel drive.

Impact on road communications by the GLOF: Lachen-Chungthang road at Menchithang

                                       Landslides along the Lachen Chu (river) valley

STH/JS: You mentioned visiting the Lachen Chu river a number of times after 04Oct2023 – can you describe the scene? Were there any landslides? And how did people from Lachen spend the next few days after the GLOF?
DL: The power supply and mobile networks went dead from 04Oct2023 – people were scared and moved here and there, trying to find out what was happening. We noticed the river was still swelling up and there were lots of landslides taking place in and around. When we went to Zema where there was a bridge which connected Lachen to Thangu, we found that the landscape had changed totally, we could not recognize where the bridge was. The whole day the river was flowing at the same high level.
Two days or so later when we went towards Zema again , we found a huge increase in landslide activity all along the road.
STH/JS: We are aware that a Swiss and Govt of India team had gone upto South Lhonak Glacier (in 2023) – did they go through Lachen?
DL: We heard about that too but I do not know the details. People were in fact blaming them for what happened – and believe that they may have done something. We believe our lakes are sacred and do pujas and visit monasteries while visiting these (holy) places.
STH/JS: Which is the nearest lake from Lachen?
DL: By road, it is Gurudongma lake
STH/JS: How much time would it take to reach South Lhonak lake from Lachen?
DL: Now there is a motorable road to Zanak 2 where they have the last ITBP camp and that takes around 6hrs from Lachen. Beyond that I have no idea.
STH/JS: Do you know whether (the ITBP camp at) Zanak 2 was affected by the GLOF?
DL: I think so, I think I saw some photographs.
STH/JS: Have people returned to Lachen from Thangu?
DL: Yes, its wintertime and its not possible to stay in Thangu. Everyone has returned but some are in Gangtok and others in Siliguri etc and children have returned to school.
STH/JS: What is the approximate economic loss which took place due to the GLOF say in terms of loss of farmland,destruction of orchards etc
DL: I can say we have lost a lot of land – pasture land for example. Our dairy animals go to lower altitudes during winters, to places like Denga which was a little above Chungthang. These areas have been washed away by the GLOF. People are now living on the roadside at Rabong and so on. Further, I think in terms of loss, all of Sikkim has been impacted - shops, hotels and so on . I am sure the loss is huge and in many crores.

                              Destruction of farm and grazing land at Menchithang.

                                               Landslides along the valley at Zema

STH/JS: Do you know of any loss to Govt departments including the army?
DL: Fisheries department have lost some trout farms, animal husbandry department have lost their angora farm, Tibetan sheep have lost their grazing land and so on.

                                    Destruction at army camp at Menchithang

STH/JS: What sort of help have you received from the administration?
DL: It has been four months since the GLOF and we still have not seen the District Magistrate (DM) on site or anywhere. We met the ADC (Additional District Collector) who came to Lachen after 7-8 days, maybe he was representing the DM – we don’t know.
With the help of the Government, the electricity was restored after 8-9days, most probably because we have a new power station in Lachen, which was not affected by the disaster. Our cell phones (only BSNL network) started working after a month or so but the performance was poor, with a lot of disturbances
STH/JS: You mean you had no communication for a month?
DL: No, I think the ADC had come with a satellite phone but I am not sure how many could make calls. We also could use the army lines but that too was difficult because of the long queues of people waiting.
STH/JS: How do you see the next few months with the monsoons coming up?
DL: We are really scared of the monsoons and the heavy rain it will bring. It will affect us a lot and people are thinking of stocking supplies before the rains and we will avoid traveling during that time because of the road conditions.
STH/JS: Can you tell us the cost of travel from Lachen to Chungthang via the Dongkha La pass?
DL: I heard the freight charges of utility (short body) truck bringing supplies from Mangan to Lachen via Dongkha La is Rs 25,000/-
STH/JS: Thank you so much for your time, Mr Dathup Lachenpa and for sharing this information about what happened in Lachen. It will certainly be most useful for people studying the October 2023 GLOF disaster in the Teesta Valley.

Photo credits: Dathup Lachenpa

Praful Rao
Kalimpong district
Darjeeling - Sikkim Himalaya
savethehills@gmail.com
9475033744
with
Praveen Chhetri
Junkeri Studios
Kalimpong
himalayagallery@gmail.com
9733185815