Northeast Desk, 23th July: In response to the catastrophic Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) that ravaged Sikkim, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced today that substantial financial aid will be allocated to the state in the General Budget for 2024-2025.
The disaster struck on October 3, 2023, when South Lhonak Lake, located at an altitude of 17,000 feet in northwest Sikkim, burst after continuous heavy rainfall. This rupture unleashed a massive torrent into downstream regions, leading to severe flooding in the Teesta River. The flood severely affected four districts: Mangan, Gangtok, Pakyong, and Namchi, as reported by the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA).
The flooding further damaged the Chungthang Hydro-Dam on the Teesta River, compounding the destruction and displacement across the region. Addressing the crisis, Sitharaman emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting Sikkim’s recovery efforts. The new budget includes dedicated funds for disaster relief and infrastructure rebuilding to aid the state’s reconstruction and recovery process.