Sikkim: Lok Sabha MP from Sikkim, Dr. Indra Hang Subba, has ramped up efforts to address climate change-related risks in the Himalayan region, with a particular focus on mitigating Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).
Speaking during the ongoing winter session of Parliament, Dr. Subba called on the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change to prioritize studies and implement robust measures to safeguard vulnerable regions like Sikkim.
In a written question submitted to the Ministry, Dr. Subba sought clarity on financial allocations for climate studies in the Himalayas and requested information on specific support provided to mitigate the impacts of the Teesta Basin floods, which have been exacerbated by climate change.
The Union Ministry highlighted several initiatives and funding mechanisms aimed at addressing climate vulnerabilities in the Himalayan region:
- Fund Allocations: The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and other government bodies have allocated funds for studying climate impacts in the Himalayas.
- National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE): Launched by the Department of Science & Technology under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), this mission focuses on sustaining the ecological and environmental integrity of the region.
- Polar and Cryosphere Research (PACER): The Ministry of Earth Sciences is conducting research on Himalayan glaciers and water sustainability.
- G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE): The institute is studying biodiversity shifts, glacial melting, and other climate-related challenges.
- Disaster Mitigation Funding: Sikkim has been allocated ₹40 crore under the National Disaster Mitigation Fund specifically to address GLOF risks.
Dr. Subba commended the Sikkim Government, led by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, for its proactive measures, including the establishment of a 13-member commission in October 2024. The commission is tasked with identifying vulnerable glacial lakes and formulating strategies to reduce future risks.
“While I support the Government’s current efforts, it is crucial to continuously recalibrate policies and strategies based on emerging data to effectively combat the climate challenges faced by Sikkim and the broader Himalayan region,” Dr. Subba stated.
The MP’s advocacy underscores the urgent need for collaborative action to safeguard one of the world’s most fragile ecosystems, ensuring long-term resilience against climate-induced hazards.