The High Court of Sikkim has urged the State and Central Governments to take immediate steps towards procuring and installing early warning systems for 40 high-risk glacial lakes in the State to prevent another disaster like the October 2023 floods.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque and Justice Bhaskar Raj Pradhan passed the order on November 5, 2026, in a suo motu public interest litigation concerning climatic justice in Sikkim.
Background
The Court considered a notification issued by the State Home Department, which referred to a National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) report identifying 40 high-risk glacial lakes in Sikkim. The State Disaster Management Authority had also submitted details of studies conducted on these lakes.
Amicus Curiae Sudhir Mishra suggested appointing a senior State Nodal Officer within the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority, supported by four additional officers. Each additional officer would oversee ten glacial lakes and coordinate disaster preparedness, early warnings and monitoring.
The Bench agreed with the proposal and observed:
"While we are in agreement with the suggestion of the Amici Curiae we are of the opinion that the State should be given an opportunity to consider the above suggestion and take pro-active steps if not already taken towards taking control of the high risk and critical glacial lakes at the earliest."
The Court noted that Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Bhutan had already installed early warning systems to mitigate the risks associated with Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).
Emphasising the need for preventive measures, the Bench stated:
"We persuade the State Government as well as the Central Government to immediately take steps towards procuring and installing such early warning systems to prevent a recurrence of a calamity like the one that struck Sikkim in October, 2023."
The Court also examined concerns regarding declining black cardamom production due to changing weather patterns. It sought the State's response on its 'Mero Alaichi, Mero Dhan' initiative.
The Bench observed:
"We are of the view that climate change would cause many such issues and it should be addressed in right earnest."
The Court impleaded the Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences and the National Disaster Management Authority as additional respondents. It also sought updates on the work undertaken by the State's High-Level Steering Committee, Multi-Disciplinary Task Force and Sikkim Commission on Glacial Hazards.
The matter was directed to be listed on November 18, 2026, for further hearing.
Case Details:
Case Title: In Re: Climatic Justice in the State of Sikkim
Case Number: WP(PIL) No. 11 of 2026
Judges: Chief Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque and Justice Bhaskar Raj Pradhan
Decision Date: 5 November 2026
