1. Sikkim DST launches a two-week expedition to East Rathong Glacier for a Himalayan climate change study.
2. The initiative started on June 22nd, 2024, focusing on glacier dynamics and GLOF risks.
3. Expedition aims to assess climate change impacts in the Himalayas.
Gangtok, June 26: The Sikkim Department of Science and Technology (DST) has launched a two-week scientific expedition to the East Rathong Glacier to study climate change impacts in the Himalayan region.
Beginning on June 22nd, 2024, the initiative aims to assess glacier dynamics and the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).
Led by DST scientists and researchers, equipped with advanced technology, the expedition targets the East Rathong Glacier in Gyalshing district, part of Khangchendzonga National Park at elevations ranging from 4600 to 6700 meters. This area is identified for its susceptibility to GLOF events.
Following devastating floods in October 2023, which underscored the need for extensive glacial research, the Sikkim State Climate Change Cell under the National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE) has identified 19 high-risk glacial lakes within Sikkim.
The current expedition will focus on the East Rathong Glacier and conduct studies on Rathong Lake, Bhaley Pokhari, and Tikip La Lake.
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Key objectives include bathymetric surveys of vulnerable glacial lakes, installation of glacier movement monitors, study of East Rathong Glacier’s vertical retreat, analysis of East Rathong meltwater stream hydrology, and maintenance of an automatic weather station at the glacier.
Dr. Sandeep Tambe, IFS, Secretary of DST, highlighted the expedition’s importance in tackling climate change vulnerabilities.
“Recent events have emphasized our susceptibility,” Dr. Tambe stated. “Expeditions like this are crucial for realizing Sikkim’s vision of ‘Sunaulo Sikkim, Samriddha Sikkim’ (Golden Sikkim, Prosperous Sikkim).”
The findings aim to enhance scientific knowledge and guide policies for climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction in the Himalayas.
