The Sikkim High Court has urged the Central and State Governments to take immediate steps to procure and install early warning systems for 40 high-risk glacial lakes in Sikkim to prevent a recurrence of the October 2023 glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) disaster.

Division Bench of Chief Justice A.Muhamed Mustaque and Justice Bhaskar Raj Pradhan remarked that: “It is seen that certain Indian States i.e. Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Bhutan have already installed early warning systems for mitigating GLOF disaster risk. 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 proceedings arose from a Public Interest Litigation titled In Re: Climatic Justice in the State of Sikkim (WP(PIL) No. 11 of 2026), concerning the impact of climate change and the need for preventive measures against climate-related disasters in the State.

During the hearing, the State Government's affidavit revealed that Sikkim has 40 high-risk glacial lakes, as identified by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). The Amicus Curiae suggested appointing dedicated Nodal Officers under the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) to monitor these lakes and strengthen disaster preparedness, particularly in light of the October 2023 GLOF disaster.

The Court agreed with the suggestion of appointing a senior-level State Nodal Officer, supported by four additional officers, to oversee disaster preparedness and monitoring of the 40 high-risk glacial lakes.

It urged the Central and State Governments to install early warning systems to mitigate GLOF risks and sought a response on the steps taken in this regard. The Court also sought updates on the functioning of the committees constituted to address glacial hazards and the State's 'Mero Alaichi, Mero Dhan' initiative to address the impact of climate change on cardamom cultivation.

The matter has been listed for further hearing on November 18, 2026.