Archive · 25 Jul 2025
Sikkim Flood: Dam Destruction and Community Concerns
Imagine a small town in the mountains with a big dam nearby.
A flood happened because a lake made of melting ice suddenly burst.
This powerful wave destroyed the dam and caused a lot of damage and sadly, many people lost their lives.
The government wants to rebuild the dam, but some people who live there are against it.
They think that the dams in the area make floods worse and they are worried about the future.
A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) in October 2023 devastated Chungthang, Sikkim, destroying the Teesta III dam.
The flood resulted in at least 57 fatalities across Sikkim and West Bengal.
The 60-meter-high Teesta III dam, part of a 1,200-megawatt hydropower project, was destroyed by the flood.
The government has sanctioned the rebuilding of the Teesta III dam.
Local residents and activists oppose the dam's reconstruction, blaming existing dams for amplifying the flood's impact.
- Who
- The flood impacted residents of Chungthang, Sikkim, and West Bengal, as well as the Affected Citizens of Teesta.
- What
- A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) destroyed the Teesta III dam.
- When
- October 3, 2023
- Where
- Chungthang, Sikkim
- Why
- The flood was triggered by the collapse of a glacial lake.
Advocates for Dam Construction
Residents & Activists
Dam Reconstruction
Advocates for Dam Construction
Not mentioned in the articles.
Residents & Activists
The government sanctioned the rebuilding of the Teesta III dam.
Future of hydropower
Advocates for Dam Construction
Not mentioned in the articles.
Residents & Activists
Not mentioned in the articles.
- Location
- Chungthang, Sikkim
- Event
- Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF)
- Date
- October 3, 2023
- Dam Destroyed
- Teesta III
- Dam Height
- 60 meters
- Fatalities
- At least 57
- Megawatt
- 1,200