Sikkim Himalayan glaciers study commission

The Sikkim government today formally set up an eight-member commission to conduct a study on Himalayan glaciers and the impact of snow meltdown in the state.

“Sikkim is the only state in the country to have taken the initiative,” chief minister Pawan Chamling said during the inaugural meeting here.

S.I. Hasnain, senior fellow, Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi, heads the panel, which has experts from Isro too. Sikkim has 84 glaciers, extending to 691sqkm and a snowfield of 251sqkm. These glaciers act as natural reservoirs and supply water to the major river systems in the state.

After its study, the committee will suggest measures on glacier management and draw up an action plan that will be submitted by December.