Agartala, December 21 (IPR): At the 12th Meeting of the NESAC Society, Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang-Golay expressed gratitude to the Department of Space for its invaluable support in leveraging advanced space technology to drive sustainable growth in the state.
Chief Minister highlighted several achievements stemming from Sikkim’s collaboration with NESAC, including:
• Mental Health Innovation: Development of the Swasth Mann mobile app.
• Agricultural Insights: Crop assessments for rice and maize to enhance food security.
• Disaster Preparedness: Hazard studies of glacial lakes and deployment of early warning systems.
He also addressed critical issues facing the state:
1. Climate Change Risks: Sikkim hosts 40 of India’s 189 high-risk glacial lakes, posing threats of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).
2. Cascading Disasters: The October 2023 glacial flood highlighted the state’s vulnerability to interconnected disasters like earthquakes, landslides, and floods.
Furthermore, to address these challenges, the Chief Minister presented several recommendations:
• Satellite Support: Access to high-resolution satellite imagery for improved disaster planning.
• Real-Time Data: Enhanced connectivity of weather stations and early warning systems with satellite technology.
• Climate-Smart Villages: Thematic mapping and a Gram Panchayat Resource Atlas to support grassroots development.
• River Morphometry Studies: Detailed analyses of the Teesta and Rangit rivers to mitigate sedimentation and flood risks.
Chief Minister expressed confidence in overcoming these challenges through collective efforts, continued collaboration with NESAC, and the leadership of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The meeting highlighted Sikkim’s commitment to building resilience and ensuring sustainable development in the North Eastern Region.