A post GLOF look at the Teesta bazar and its vicinity (Part -1)

A few days ago, a friend called from Mangan, the headquarters of North Sikkim district, eager to witness the aftermath of the Teesta Valley Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) that occurred on October 4, 2023. She expressed difficulty in identifying the affected areas. I empathized, recalling how we began documenting the disaster through photographs and recordings on the very day it happened.

Over a year has passed, including a full monsoon season. During this time, nature has altered the landscape, roads and homes have been repaired, and damaged machinery and assets have been removed or replaced. These changes underscore the importance of promptly documenting disasters, at least through photography, to capture the immediate impact before recovery efforts and natural processes transform the scene.

The Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) on October 4, 2023, caused the Teesta River's level to surge by approximately 3 to 4 meters throughout the valley. This event deposited substantial silt and debris along the river's course. While monsoon floods have since washed away some of these deposits, the river is gradually reestablishing its natural channel—a process that can span several years. Consequently, we must brace for potential challenges during upcoming monsoon seasons. The current dry season offers an ideal window for implementing necessary preparations; however, I have observed a concerning lack of such proactive measures and towards this end we have voiced our concern by writing to the highest levels in the country.

With regard to the disaster, I made a visit on 18Dec2024 to the Teesta bazar and its vicinity to check and photograph the area. My report:

a. River Condition:
The Teesta River has shed much of the silt and debris left by the October 2023 GLOF and is regaining its characteristic emerald-green winter hue. In some areas, the river has carved out a defined channel, reducing its erratic flow over the 3-4 meter thick debris layer deposited during the disaster.

b. Disaster Mitigation Efforts:
No visible disaster mitigation efforts were underway in Teesta Bazar or its surrounding areas. Residents I spoke to expressed deep frustration over the lack of action.

c. Local Economy - Rafting Resumes:
Rafting activities have resumed in the Teesta/Labar Boatay area, providing direct and indirect employment to approximately 2,000 people.

d. Tribeni Covid Hospital:
A footpath to the Tribeni Covid Hospital is functional. However, much of the hospital's infrastructure has been either looted or washed away by the floods, leaving it in a dire state.

e. NH10 Road Conditions:
On the short stretch of NH10 I traveled, significant repair work was underway near Likhu Bhir. However, areas around the 29th mile and Melli remain vulnerable, with visible cracks and sinking sections near the riverbank. These areas are at serious risk of collapse during the next heavy rains.
Placed below are images of the area:

Praful Rao
SaveTheHills
savethehills@gmail.com
9475033744