Gangtok:5th March: Glaciers have been at the risk of flooding the Himalayan belt due to Climatic changes and of course the Global warming. Sikkim recently faced devastating Glacial Lake Ourburst. Under the circumstances steps need to be taken to protect one and all from furure trouble.
Dr ( Mrs) Smriti Basnet,the very First female Glaciologist from Sikkim aspiring to do something worthwhile and to give back to the society ,is serving the Sikkim Glacier Commission.She was accorded recognition by the All Sikkim Khas ,Bahun,Chettri Kalyan Sangh and presented Citation by CM PS Tamang .Interacting with this reporter Smriti said she was really happy and thanked CM as also ASKCBKS for it, dedicating the honour to her parents Special DGP (rtd) Janga Basnet IPS and Neelam Basnet and grandmother who have been very supportive.
R: What was your reaction on getting recognised?
DrSB: Happy! I did not know that Khas sangh existed. And they have been giving recognition also. This has increased my responsibility. I feel more should be done. I gave up my job in Bangalore 6 and a half months back to join the Commission. As I thought doing this particular work will give meaning to life.
R: What are you occupied with at present bringing your expertise back home to Sikkim ?
Dr SB: I am serving as the Senior Consultant to the Sikkim Commission on Glacial Hazards.I have been helping the Deptt of Science & Technology strengthening the Commission and Glacial hazards Management in the State.Soon the Report would be submitted to authorities.
R: How about your focus on Glaciology before joining SGCommission?
Dr SB:I did Phd from Nirma University in Glaciers and Snow Studies. Also was a Junior Research Fellow with Sikkim Glacier Commission and Indian Space Research Organisation,involved in producing Sikkim Snow Cover Atlases. Spent months in Sikkim ,Himachal Pradesh ,Nepal and Japan trekking , climbing mountains , living with Yak and Blue Sheep herders. Was at Indian Institute of Science , Banglore. And always wanted to do something practically useful , will continue doing it.
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