Editorial

Post-Earthquake, Collaborate More SubstantiallyThere should be no surprises in the warning posted by the Mines & Geology Department in its preliminary report on the impact of 18 September Earthquake on the land stability of Sikkim. The litter of landslides triggered by the temblor trail the Sikkim landscape for all to see, and where BRO road expansion works have added to slope instability, are there for all commuters to suffer as well.
It is obvious that hills and slopes all over Sikkim sit unstable, and now, with the endorsement of subject experts, no time should be spared in preparing for the challenges posed by this geological instability. The more detailed analysis sought by the Department should be green-flagged immediately and the short-term measures and disaster preparedness options presented in the report should be followed through forthwith. Experts at the Department have studied as many as 150 landslides, and while this is a staggering number in itself, the inaccessible slide zones that they could not reach should also be surveyed as soon as possible. Most of the inaccessible slide zones sit in remote North Sikkim, and although they might not pose any immediate risk to life or property, they could spring surprises for areas downstream [which are populated and sit on major investments] if their potential for disaster is not studied and options available to counter them are not explored. This has to be undertaken immediately because these areas will remain accessible only for a few more weeks and once the winter sets in, the weather will add to the dangers of their present instability. Landslides deep inside Dzongu and beyond Lachen have burst forth as flash floods in the past, and although damage has mostly been limited to roads, this should be no reason to ignore slope devastation in areas beyond human habitation. The situation is changed now and Sikkim needs to be prepared for every eventuality. The report has also recommended that disaster mitigation and preparedness plans be put in place ahead of the monsoons. Even the dry winters are keeping some of the earthquake-induced landslides active and one shudders to think what could befall once the monsoon opens over the debilitated slopes here. Here, the recommendation that local populations be taken into confidence in plans for mitigation and stabilisation becomes significant. It is possible that some officials will want the warnings downplayed, fearing that it will cause undue panic among the people. If such an approach is taken, it will be at the State’s own peril. Briefing the people in detail will reassure them that no effort is being spared in preparing better for future furies of nature and when information is shared openly, the expert advice on how to mitigate future threats will be taken more spontaneously and with more judiciousness by both, the people as well as the officials. This collaboration is important if the State is to rebuild into a safer Sikkim in the wake of the earthquake. Thus far, relief and rehabilitation has been a one-way process with the government as the dispenser and the affected people as receivers. The dangers which hang heavy on Sikkim’s slopes and the threats posed by the effect of the earthquake on the ground beneath will require much more collaboration, information and experience sharing, reliance, faith and reliability. For all this happen, everyone needs to be better informed. In fact, it would be highly recommended that Mines & Geology Department report is presented at gram sabhas across the State not just so that people are better informed but also to invite suggestions and ideas on how Sikkim should proceed future.