Wed Nov 20 00:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Teesta Valley Faces Looming Flood Disaster: Urgent Action Needed Before 2025 Monsoon

**GUWAHATI, INDIA (November 20, 2024)** – The Teesta Valley is on the brink of another devastating flood, with experts warning that the 2025 monsoon season could exacerbate the damage already inflicted by the October 2023 glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF). A joint memorandum from two Himalayan organizations, ‘Save The Hills’ and the Darjeeling Himalaya Initiative (DHI), urges immediate action from the Indian government.

The 2023 GLOF, compounded by a dam breach at an NHPC power project, resulted in over 100 deaths, widespread destruction, and ecological devastation across Sikkim and West Bengal. The memorandum, signed by 290 citizens, criticizes the inadequate response from state and central authorities, highlighting the lack of long-term rehabilitation and restorative efforts.

The organizations highlight the urgent need for both structural and non-structural mitigation measures throughout the valley. They emphasize the crucial need for a collaborative approach between Sikkim and West Bengal, proposing a joint committee to implement coordinated disaster management strategies. Currently, the states’ siloed approaches hinder effective response.

The memorandum calls for the formation of a task force comprising experts in various fields to develop a comprehensive action plan. This plan should address the multiple challenges arising from the GLOF, including the displacement of 65 families still residing in relief camps. The memorandum also highlights the sinking of several areas along the Teesta River, particularly Teesta Bazaar in West Bengal, and the instability of NH10, a crucial lifeline for Kalimpong and Sikkim.

Proposed solutions include sustainable engineering solutions to protect low-lying areas, re-channeling the Teesta River, repairing damaged infrastructure, reinforcing evacuation centers, and implementing land-use planning and zoning. The memorandum also stresses the need for early warning systems, improved communication networks, awareness campaigns, post-disaster financial recovery support, and an aggressive afforestation program.

The organizations’ urgent plea underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for immediate and coordinated action to prevent a further catastrophe in the Teesta Valley. The memorandum has been addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Chief Ministers of Sikkim and West Bengal.

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