GANGTOK: Former Indian football captain, Bhaichung Bhutia, has raised concerns about the delayed response by the Prem Singh Tamang government following the catastrophic bursting of the Lhonak glacial lake, which triggered flash floods and claimed numerous lives in the Himalayan state.
The bursting of the Lhonak glacial lake unleashed a massive deluge, causing the Teesta River to swell and subsequently triggering flash floods across the river basin. The calamity has affected four Sikkim districts, resulting in the tragic loss of 42 lives, including 15 army personnel, with 77 individuals still missing and 30 others sustaining injuries.
Addressing reporters in Gangtok on Monday, Bhaichung Bhutia pointed out that timely preventive measures could have saved many lives had the government acted swiftly following the glacial lake's burst on the night of October 3. The former football captain, a native of South Sikkim, also expressed concerns about what he perceived as contradictory statements from Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang regarding the glacier burst and the government's response to the crisis.
"Many lives could have been saved had Tamang and his government responded in time with preventive measures following the bursting of the glacial lake on October 3 night," he told reporters.
Furthermore, Bhaichung Bhutia criticized the state government for not heeding warnings from various researchers and organizations regarding the growing threat of glacial lake outbursts due to climate change. He emphasized the potential danger this poses to both the people and the state.
Bhaichung Bhutia clarified that his intent was not to politicize this natural disaster or seek political gain but to share his views as a concerned citizen and as someone deeply connected to Sikkim as a native son. His focus lies in advocating for improved preparedness and response strategies to minimize the impact of such calamities.
The flash floods resulting from the glacial lake burst have not only claimed lives but have also ravaged road infrastructure and disrupted communication networks in Sikkim. Bhaichung Bhutia's impassioned plea underscores the importance of proactive measures to mitigate the devastating consequences of such natural disasters in the future.
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