Sikkim: Bhaichung Bhutia accuses CM of negligence in Glacial Lake outburst flood disaster

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• Oct 30, 2023 | Dhupali Das

Former India football captain Bhaichung Bhutia has launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, blaming him for...

Digital Desk: Former India football captain Bhaichung Bhutia has launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, blaming him for the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) disaster that struck Sikkim on October 4. Bhutia accused the CM of negligence and an inability to heed multiple warnings from researchers and organizations about the impending danger posed by a glacial lake.

The Glacial Lake Outburst Flood, which resulted in devastating flash floods, has left the state grappling with loss and destruction, prompting Bhaichung Bhutia to speak out against the government's response. He stated, "You should look at the time when the disaster happened... the statements of the Chief Minister have been changing every day. From 2008 until today, there have been numerous warnings from the Government of India, the Disaster Management Department, and scientists. They repeatedly cautioned that the Lhonak Lake was in danger. Even the Government of India sanctioned 20 crore funds to the state government to prevent this disaster. Despite all this, the disaster happened."

Bhutia also criticized the Chief Minister's handling of the crisis, pointing out inconsistencies in the timing of his statements. "Even after the disaster happened, the Chief Minister, in a press conference, claimed that he received information about the disaster at 10:40 am, while the army had informed the headquarters at 10:30 am. In another press conference, the Chief Minister stated that he got the information at 11:40 am. This indicates that he received the information at 10:30 am and continued to engage in public interactions, like the 'Janta Darbar,' until 11:30 am. In the face of a natural disaster and flooding, the Chief Minister's primary response should have been to initiate swift rescue operations."

Highlighting the importance of quick communication in the digital age, Bhutia expressed his frustration, saying, "In social media, it takes only 10 minutes to inform people. This government is so incompetent and irresponsible."

In a direct jab at the Chief Minister, Bhutia questioned the timing and nature of his statements, adding, "Flooding and dam burst... with no research... with no investigation... you went to the media saying that the construction quality was bad. Who told you that, and at what time did you investigate? Which engineer informed him? Why go into politics during such periods when everybody is suffering? It was a time for everybody to come together, but you tried to take cheap mileage out of the entire flood victims, which is so wrong."

The accusations made by Bhaichung Bhutia have ignited a fresh wave of scrutiny and debate over the government's response to the GLOF disaster. Many are now demanding accountability and transparency in the handling of such crises and a thorough investigation into the events leading up to and following the devastating floods in Sikkim.