The official India News of 4 September 1947 publishes a preliminary account of the expeditions organized by the Central Waterways, Irrigation and Navigation Commission with the help of Dr. J. E. Church, the originator of the system of snow surveying. The expeditions were three in number, one each into East and North Sikkim and the third along the East Nepal border. In addition to Church, irrigation and hydro-electrical engineers accompanied by scientific and professional experts of the C.W.I.N.C. took part. The account continues:
The first expedition which started in April went eastwards from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, up to the pass Natha La (13,000 ft). The second went northwards later in April from Gangtok up to Chunthang, the northernmost P.O. in Sikkim, and thence to Thanggu and Jha Ghu, climbing up to about 16,500 ft. where snow was found. The third went along the East Nepal border, i.e. mainly over the ridges of the Singalila range, up to Nayathang, 12,600 ft., much of it over pathless and stony slopes.
The organization of a snow survey on the scale necessary to deal with run-off, from even a part of the enormous hinterland of mountains and glaciers which lie above the sub-continent, will be a task of very large proportions indeed. That Church, who is not a young man, has been willing to undertake its inauguration and take part in severe expeditions to great heights is a tribute to his unbounded energy and enthusiasm. Details will no doubt be communicated later.
