Disaster in Sikkim: The Devastation of the Chungthang Hydro-Dam and Its Far-reaching Impact
The disaster that occurred in Sikkim on October 4th, involving the destruction of the Chungthang Hydro-Dam and flash floods, has had a significant impact on the region.
- Dam and Infrastructure Damage: The Chungthang Hydro-Dam, which is a part of the Teesta Stage III Hydro Electric Project, was washed away due to flash floods caused by a sudden surge of water in the Teesta River. This flash flood also led to the destruction of several bridges, including one that connected the powerhouse.
- Casualties and Missing Persons: At least 14 individuals have been reported dead, and over a hundred people, including 22 Indian army personnel, are still missing. A total of 2,000 people have been rescued so far, which includes one army personnel, as originally, 23 soldiers were missing.
- Sikkim Urja Limited: The project was run by Sikkim Urja (formerly Teesta Urja) and had recently started to make a profit. The dam had a gross height of 817 meters and a net head of 778 meters, which was used for power generation.
- Chronology of Events: The breach occurred just after midnight, and the dam, along with the bridge, was washed away in a very short time. The powerhouse was also submerged in water. Efforts were made to open the dam gates, but the flash flood hit the project before this could be accomplished.
- The Cause: The disaster was attributed to a sudden surge of water at South Lhonak Lake in Northern Sikkim, possibly due to a combination of excess rainfall and a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) event. The region is prone to seismic activities, but the earthquake was ruled out as a primary cause.
- South Lhonak Lake: The lake is situated at a high altitude and surrounded by glaciers. Its expansion is reportedly due to the melting of these glaciers, possibly as a result of global warming. Satellite images revealed that a significant portion of the lake drained out due to the GLOF.
- Impact: The event affected several small villages, towns, and infrastructure projects in the upper reaches of the Teesta River valley, with the main districts of Mangan, Gangtok, Pakyong, and Namchi being affected.
- Speculation and Ongoing Investigation: There are speculations about the causes, including cloud bursts, GLOF events, and recent earthquakes. Scientists are continuing to investigate the exact cause of the flash flood.
Location: Sikkim, India
- Geographic Location: Sikkim is a state in northeastern India, located in the Himalayas. It shares borders with Tibet in the north, Bhutan in the east, Nepal in the west, and the Indian state of West Bengal in the south.
- Chungthang and Teesta River: The disaster occurred in the region of Chungthang in Sikkim. Chungthang is a town in North Sikkim located at the confluence of the Lachen and Lachung Rivers, forming the Teesta River. The Teesta River plays a vital role in the region, both for water resources and as a source of hydroelectric power.
Significance of the Chungthang Hydro-Dam and Disaster Impact
- Chungthang Hydro-Dam: The Chungthang Hydro-Dam was a key component of the 1200 MW mega Teesta Stage III Hydro Electric Project. This project was a significant source of electricity for Sikkim and West Bengal. It was a run-of-the-river hydroelectric project that commenced operations in 2017. The dam had a substantial gross height of 817 meters and a net head of 778 meters, making it an important infrastructure for power generation in the region.
- Disaster Impact: The destruction of the Chungthang Hydro-Dam and the flash floods caused by the sudden surge of water in the Teesta River had severe consequences. It resulted in the loss of human lives, damage to bridges, and infrastructure projects. The districts of Mangan, Gangtok, Pakyong, and Namchi were particularly affected. The significance of this disaster lies in its devastating impact on the local communities, infrastructure, and the regional economy.
The Teesta Project
- Teesta Stage III Hydro Electric Project: The Teesta Stage III Hydro Electric Project is a major initiative for harnessing hydroelectric power in the region. It played a crucial role in providing electricity to both Sikkim and West Bengal. The project aimed to tap into the energy potential of the Teesta River for sustainable power generation.
- Power Generation and Economic Significance: This project had not only environmental significance in terms of producing clean energy but also economic importance as it began to generate profits. The region’s power requirements, especially in West Bengal, were partially dependent on this project.
- Importance for the Future: The collapse of the Chungthang Dam and the related flash floods have raised questions about the future of the Teesta Project. Rebuilding the dam and ensuring its resilience against such disasters will be essential for the region’s energy security and economic stability.
Sikkim’s location in the Himalayas, the significance of the Chungthang Hydro-Dam, and the Teesta Project are critical aspects of understanding the context and impact of the recent disaster in the region. The Teesta Project, in particular, holds both economic and environmental significance for the area.
Source: INDIA TODAY
P20 Summit 2023: Fostering Global Collaboration and Consensus for a More Inclusive World
Presiding Officers of Parliaments of several G20 member countries have begun to arrive in New Delhi for the ninth Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit (P20 Summit), scheduled to start on Friday. Notable attendees include:
- Speaker of Parliament of Bangladesh, Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury: Who arrived in the National Capital on Tuesday.
- Delegations from South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and the United Kingdom: These delegations are expected to arrive tonight.
- President of the Senate of Australia, Sue Lines, and Speaker of the House of Representatives of Australia, Milton Dick: They have already arrived to participate.
In addition to G20 countries, ten other countries and international organizations will also take part in this two-day summit. Notably, the Presiding Officers of the Pan African Parliaments will be participating in the P-20 Summit in India for the first time.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Summit on the 13th of October. The event will feature four high-level sessions focusing on critical topics such as accelerating Sustainable Development Goals, Sustainable Energy Transition, women-led development, and transformation in people’s lives through public digital platforms.
The P20 Summit’s goal is to provide consensus-based solutions to complex global issues with the aim of fostering a more inclusive, peaceful, and equitable world. The guiding spirit of the summit is encapsulated in the phrase “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” signifying “One Earth, One Family, One Future.” This event highlights India’s commitment to addressing global challenges and promoting cooperation among nations.
P20 SUMMIT
| Aspect | Details |
| Name | Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit (P20 Summit) |
| Nature of P20 Summit | – P20 is an assembly of Parliamentary Speakers from the Parliaments of G20 nations. – It comprises discussions and participation from Speakers and presiding officers of the Parliament representing G20 countries and invitee nations. – The formation of the P20 group occurred during the G20 Presidency of Canada in 2010. – The primary objective of the P20 Summit is to enhance understanding of the efforts and international collaboration approaches of G20 member nations in addressing global issues. This is achieved through deliberations on emerging challenges faced by the global community. |
| Host Country | India |
| Date | Commences on 13th October |
| Duration | Two Days |
| Participants | Presiding Officers of Parliaments from G20 and other countries |
| Notable Attendees | Notable figures attending include Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Bangladesh’s Speaker.
Delegations from countries such as South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and the United Kingdom are expected. – President of the Senate of Australia, Sue Lines, and Speaker of the House of Representatives of Australia, Milton Dick, have already arrived. |
| Key Themes | – Key discussion topics encompass accelerating Sustainable Development Goals, Sustainable Energy Transition, women-led development, and the transformation of people’s lives through public digital platforms. |
| Inauguration | The summit will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. |
| Purpose | The primary aim of the P20 Summit is to facilitate the development of consensus-based solutions to address global challenges, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive, peaceful, and equitable world. |
| Guiding Spirit | The guiding spirit of the summit is encapsulated in the phrase “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” signifying “One Earth, One Family, One Future.” This ethos underscores India’s commitment to addressing global issues and promoting international cooperation among nations. |
Source: AIR
