Sikkim Authorities Initiate Evacuation as Shako Cho Lake Nears Bursting Point

Sikkim Authorities Initiate Evacuation as Shako Cho Lake Nears Bursting Point

VoM News Desk | October 6, 2023 | 12:32 AM IST | Floods/Landslides/Event, Sikkim | Follow on Google News

Sikkim Authorities Initiate Evacuation as Shako Cho Lake Nears Bursting Point

.Sikkim Authorities Initiate Evacuation as Shako Cho Lake Nears Bursting Point

In a precautionary move, authorities in Sikkim have initiated the evacuation of residents from the vicinity of Shako Cho lake near Lachen in the Mangan district. The lake is perilously close to bursting, prompting authorities to issue an alert. Shako Cho glacial lake, situated above the village of Thangu, spans a length of 1.3 kilometers, while the village is merely 12 kilometers away. The authorities have also cleared the entire Golitar area in Singtam, the Dikchu region in Mangan district, and the Rangpo IBM area in Pakyong district.

Satellite Data Reveals Alarming Temperature Increase

According to Tushare Nikhare, the district magistrate of Gangtok, satellite data has indicated an abnormal rise in glacial temperatures over Sako Chu. While it may not pose an immediate threat if the temperature stabilizes, Nikhare emphasized the need for caution. The situation will be reassessed at 7.30 am, and as a precautionary measure, an evacuation advisory remains in effect. Nikhare also noted that the deposition of silt means that any sudden water discharge could result in elevated levels over the deposited debris, potentially causing damage.

Assessment of Hydropower Projects Post Flooding

The central government has pledged to conduct a comprehensive assessment of damage to hydropower projects in Sikkim once the floodwaters recede. The state-owned hydropower company NHPC is actively pursuing measures to expedite the restoration of hydropower projects. Power Secretary Pankaj Agrawal held an emergency meeting with NHPC, alongside senior officers from the Ministry of Power and the Central Electricity Authority, to address the situation.

Flash Floods Affect Bridges and Hydropower Stations

The flash floods in the Teesta basin have submerged or washed away all bridges downstream to the Teesta-V hydropower station, extending to Tarkhola and Pamphok. This has disrupted travel and communication in these areas. The dam of the Teesta V power station (510 MW) was overtopped by floodwater, leading to severe damage to connecting roads and portions of the residential colony at the project site.

VoM News Desk

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