Any developmental or infrastructure project in Sikkim should take into account climate change, Professor Anjal Prakash of Indian School of Business (ISB) said. The Teesta project may not have taken into account recent changes to climatic conditions, he said.

The Himalayan range comprises young mountains, which are also hot spots for biodiversity which stand to be devastated in such incidents, Anjal pointed out. "Devastation would be on all fronts, on people, infrastructure."

Flash floods in Sikkim have left at least 40 dead and more than 100 are still missing. As per the state government, more than 2,000 people have been evacuated so far with over 22,000 people being affected.

Meanwhile, the Indian Army is also carrying out a search operation for its 22 missing soldiers.

Also Read:Sikkim flash flood: Search operation for 22 missing Indian army personnel, 102 others continue

(Edited by : Shoma Bhattacharjee)