Gangtok, 1st September: A multidisciplinary scientific team has completed a crucial field mission in North Sikkim between 26 August and 1 September 2025, focusing on high-risk glacial lake assessments and sediment studies in the aftermath of recent flood-related events.
According to the Science and Technology Department, Government of Sikkim, the mission began from Muguthang and advanced towards South Lhonak Lake, where on Day 8 the team held a ceremonial pooja at Chimigyader and at the lake itself, seeking blessings for safe operations. At South Lhonak, located at 17,200 feet, the team conducted bathymetric studies, installed pressure probes, and collected post-flood sediment samples critical for glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) risk assessment.
Following these studies, members from Himachal Pradesh, the National Institute of Hydrology (NIH), Central Water Commission (CWC), Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment (DGRE), and Geological Survey of India (GSI) concluded their objectives and departed. The remaining experts continued to Changsang Lake at 18,100 feet, where they carried out bathymetric mapping and detailed morphometric analysis of the lake’s terminal moraine, a key indicator of stability and hazard potential.
On September 1, the team reached Thangu and began preparations for the next phase of research at Yuleh Khangse Lake, situated above Lashar Valley. Officials said this expedition is part of India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen monitoring of Himalayan glacial systems and to develop effective early warning mechanisms against GLOFs and other climate-induced threats in high-altitude regions.
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