The Sikkim government has started pre-monsoon preparatory work to tide over the monsoon months following indications that the Himalayan state might receive heavy rainfall from June this year.

Sikkim was devastated by a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) in South Lhonak Lake in north Sikkim on October 3, 2023. It claimed at least 37 persons. Additionally, 77 others went missing during the flash flood that also swept away the Chungthung hydel project and 14 bridges, and also damaged a number of roads and some 1,500 houses.

Sources said that the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority organised a pre-monsoon preparedness meeting chaired by Sikkim chief secretary V.B. Pathak in Gangtok on May 1.

"After this centralised meeting (on May 1) which was attended by the heads of various departments, DIG-range and district collectors of all six districts and other senior officials, district-wise meetings are also being held,” said a source.

Pakyong district held the meeting on Wednesday while Soreng and Mangan districts held similar meetings earlier this week. The other districts in Sikkim are Gangtok, Namchi and Gyalshing.

“During the centralised meeting it was informed that rainfall above normal this year is being predicted for Sikkim by the Indian Meteorological Department,” said the source.

IMD officials informed that the intensity of rainfall in Sikkim is likely to be higher even in June, said a source.

Landslides are a major issue for the hill region. Sikkim is a landlocked state with roadways being its lifeline. The railways have not yet reached the state which has a difficult terrain.

Chief secretary Pathak, it is learnt, called for strengthening of the weather forecasting system for prompt and effective dissemination of information.

"The chief secretary also suggested additional inclusion of dedicated manpower for disaster response and directed district collectors to identify unused infrastructure for barracks,” said a source.

The administration also took stock of the requirement of materials, vehicles and manpower under various disaster preparedness heads.

Experts have also stressed that heavy siltation along the river Teesta after last year's flash floods needs to be closely monitored.