Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Sikkim Proposes Engineering Solutions to Mitigate Glacial Flood Risks
Sikkim, a state in India, is trying to make its lakes safer.
They have three big plans.
First, they want to use solar-powered pumps to lower the water level in a lake called Shako Chho.
Second, they want to build a structure in a place called Dolma Sampa to hold back floodwater.
Third, they want to build a wall at Gurudongmar lake to control water release.
These plans are to prevent big floods that can happen when lakes burst.
The government is studying these plans to make sure they work and are safe.
Sikkim proposes three engineering interventions to mitigate GLOF risks: solar-powered pumping at Shako Chho, a flood-retention structure at Dolma Sampa, and a safety wall at Gurudongmar lake complex.
Shako Chho lake, holding 27 million cubic metres of water, will use solar-powered pumps to lower its level and reduce potential flood force.
A flood-retention structure is proposed at Dolma Sampa, 24 km downstream from the Lhonak Complex, to slow down and spread out floodwater.
Gurudongmar lake complex will have a moraine-plug safety wall to regulate water release and reduce outburst force.
Of 40 high-hazard glacial lakes in Sikkim, 16 are classified as priority Category-A, with detailed assessments completed for 13.
- Who
- Sikkim government, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
- What
- Proposed engineering interventions to mitigate Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) risks
- When
- Ongoing, with proposals being examined at the Government of India level
- Where
- Sikkim, India (Shako Chho, Lhonak Valley, Gurudongmar lake complex)
- Why
- To reduce the potential impact of a GLOF and enhance safety
- Proposed Interventions
- Solar-powered pumping at Shako Chho, flood-retention structure at Dolma Sampa, safety wall at Gurudongmar lake complex
- Shako Chho Lake
- 27 million cubic metres of water, no natural outlet
- Lhonak Complex
- South Lhonak, North Lhonak, and Changsang lakes
- Gurudongmar Lake Complex
- Three lakes, one accessible to tourists and pilgrims
- High-Hazard Glacial Lakes in Sikkim
- 40 identified, 16 classified as priority Category-A
- 2023 South Lhonak GLOF
- Released nearly 30 million cubic metres of water, lowered lake level by 20-25 metres