Gangtok, 18th September (IPR): The Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) under Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department (LRDM), Government of Sikkim today observed the commemoration of the 18th September 2011 Earthquake and State Disaster Risk Reduction Day at Chintan Bhawan, Gangtok, under the theme “Empowering Communities, Safeguarding Sikkim”.
The programme was graced by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, who is also the Chairperson of SSDMA, as the Chief Guest.
He was accompanied by Minister for Public Health Engineering Department Sonam Lama, Advisor LRDM LB Das, Chief Secretary-cum-Chairperson of State Executive Committee (SEC) R Telang, Secretary National Disaster Management Authority Manish Bhardwaj, Vice Chairman SSDMA Professor VK Sharma, and State Relief Commissioner-cum-Secretary LRDM MT Sherpa.
In his address, the Chief Minister highlighted the significance of observing 18th September as State Disaster Risk Reduction Day, recalling the devastating earthquake of 2011 and the South Lhonak Lake Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) of October 3-4, 2023 that not only tested the strength but also revealed the resilience of the people of Sikkim.
He stated that this day carries deep emotional significance and serves as a reminder to strengthen collective preparedness.
The Chief Minister underlined Sikkim’s unique geographical vulnerabilities, including earthquakes, landslides, and glacial risks, which demand a culture of safety and sustainable practices.
He further informed that under SSDMA, significant strides have been made in integrating disaster risk reduction into development planning.
In partnership with NDMA and other national and international institutions, initiatives such as multi-hazard risk assessments, landslide studies, and scientific monitoring of glacial lakes have been undertaken.
Early warning systems, high-altitude expeditions, and capacity-building programmes are strengthening the State’s preparedness and response framework.
Through the Aapada Mitra scheme and the induction of disaster management coordinators, supervisors, and assistants at various levels, disaster preparedness has also been ensured at the grassroots.
Notably, 1,185 officials have been inducted into SSDMA and trained through rigorous exercises to serve as the backbone of Sikkim’s disaster management network.
The Chief Minister also recalled the South Lhonak Lake Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) of October 2023, which had a severe impact on lives, infrastructure, and the tourism sector.
He stated that following a post-disaster assessment, the Government of India has extended substantial financial support for relief and reconstruction, with restoration works already underway.
He added that while progress is being made, Sikkim’s fragile Himalayan ecosystem demands sustained attention and resources, and the State continues to seek further assistance from the Government of India to strengthen its disaster response capacity.
Expressing gratitude to the Prime Minister, Government of India, NDMA, SDRF, NDRF, armed forces, various state government departments and civil society organisations for their continued support to Sikkim in times of disaster, the Chief Minister stated that disaster preparedness is a shared responsibility.
He urged every household, ward, and community to adopt safe construction practices, participate in preparedness drills, and embrace sustainable environmental measures.
Concluding his address, the Chief Minister reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to building a disaster-resilient Sikkim and called for collective action to safeguard lives, livelihoods, and the environment.
Manish Bhardwaj, in his address as special guest, lauded Sikkim’s resilience and disaster preparedness. He stated that Sikkim has prepared district-level and state-level disaster management plans that reflect strong institutional readiness of the state.
Referring to the South Lhonak Lake GLOF of October 2023, he said recovery is guided by the principle of “building back better” with a focus on restoring livelihoods, strengthening early warning systems, and protecting ecosystems.
He highlighted initiatives like the National Landslide Risk Management Programme, National Glacial Lake Risk Mitigation Programme, earthquake retrofitting of infrastructure, and training of engineers and artisans in safety techniques.
He also noted NDMA’s support to Sikkim in expanding fire services, strengthening early warning systems, and engaging youth volunteers under NCC, NSS, and NYKS for disaster preparedness.
Bhardwaj praised the coordinated response of the State Government, armed forces, and agencies during recent disasters, calling Sikkim a model for resilience and community strength that inspires other states.
R Telang stressed the importance of preparedness and community participation in disaster management. He highlighted the state’s vulnerability to earthquakes, landslides, and climate-induced changes, noting the shift in rainfall patterns due to climate change.
Referring to the 2011 earthquake and the GLOF of 2023, he said Sikkim has learned from past disasters to strengthen its resilience, including disaster-resilient housing, school safety, and village-level volunteer training.
He commended the timely evacuation during the GLOF, which saved thousands of lives under the Chief Minister’s direct leadership, and urged volunteers to focus on local-level planning, early warning systems, and community awareness.
Stressing that personal safety must become a habit, he called for building a culture of preparedness through education, data collection, and community engagement.
Professor VK Sharma emphasised that since the 2011 earthquake, Sikkim has steadily strengthened its disaster preparedness through annual observance of State Disaster Reduction Day and innovative resilience initiatives.
He highlighted the state’s pioneering steps in disaster-resilient housing, health and school infrastructure, and training of community-level volunteers.
Stressing the importance of scientific monitoring, local data collection, and youth engagement, he added that Sikkim today stands as a model of community-driven disaster resilience for the nation.
In his keynote address, MT Sherpa highlighted Sikkim’s vulnerability to disasters and outlined State initiatives such as trained disaster personnel, early warning systems, and integration of risk reduction in development planning. Stressing collective responsibility, he called for building resilience at every level of society.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister was felicitated for the formation of the Sikkim State Disaster Management Service cadre, marking a significant milestone in strengthening disaster management architecture.
The felicitation ceremony also honoured six best Disaster Management trainees from each district of the state for their exceptional performance during their 12-days residential training on “Basics of Disaster Management”. These trainees are:
1. Phurba Tshering Bhutia, Disaster Management Assistant, Martam BAC, Gangtok District
2. Raman Sharma, Disaster Management Assistant, Pakyong BAC, Pakyong District
3. Ritu Limbu, Disaster Management Assistant, Kamrang GPU, Namchi District
4. Lhakmit Lepcha, Disaster Management Assistant, Dzongu SDM Office, Mangan District
5. Kadho Lepcha, Disaster Management Supervisor, Mangalbarey SDM Office, Soreng District
6. Tara Chettri, Disaster Management Assistant, DAC Gyalshing, Gyalshing District
As part of the felicitation ceremony, winners of the Inter-College Quiz Competition on “Disaster Risk Reduction” were also awarded. Harkamaya College of Education, Gangtok secured the first position, followed by Sikkim Government B.Ed College, Soreng in second place, and Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences, Gangtok in third place.
The programme also featured a video presentation, highlighting Sikkim’s journey in disaster management over the years. Another presentation showcased the training activities of disaster management officials.
It may be mentioned here that in line with the Chief Minister’s vision of building a dedicated disaster management team across Sikkim, 1,185 disaster management officials have been recently inducted into SSDMA.
These officials have undergone intensive capacity-building programmes, including simulations and specialized training at the Mountaineering and Adventure Institute of Sikkim, Yuksom, and the Indian Himalayan Centre for Adventure & Ecotourism, Chemchey, equipping them to respond swiftly and effectively during crises.
A key highlight of the programme was the release of a comprehensive document titled “Road Map for Resilient Health Infrastructure of Sikkim”, prepared by Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) in collaboration with the Government of Sikkim and WHO.
Further, the event featured the virtual inauguration of an Automatic Weather Station at the State Emergency Operation Center, SSDMA, in collaboration with Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society (SEEDS India).
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Special Secretary-cum-Director, SSDMA/LRDM Department, Prabhakar Rai.
The programme was also attended by Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, DGP Sikkim, District Collectors, Principal Secretaries, Secretaries of line departments, representatives of NDRF, SDRF, and the Indian Army, Aapada Mitras, disaster management officials and the LRDM officials and staff.
Earlier, as part of the commemoration, a live demonstration on disaster response and preparedness was carried out by disaster management personnel and Aapada Mitra at the premise of Chintan Bhawan to showcase effective techniques in rescue and emergency management.
