Darjeeling: Over 1,200 travelers stranded in Sikkim’s Mangan district due to disrupted roads and communication lines might find respite on Sunday, June 16, contingent on stable weather conditions, according to an official communique.
Tshering Thendup Bhutia, Sikkim’s Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, is slated to supervise the evacuation endeavors. The announcement made on Saturday, June 15, articulated, “The extraction of tourists from Lachung is set to commence tomorrow via airlift and roadways, weather permitting.”
Sunday morning saw substantial boulders cascading near Likubhir in Kalimpong on National Highway (NH) No. 10, creating significant turmoil and compelling authorities to completely close the NH. Similarly, the route from Kirna to Malli via the same NH has been rendered impassable due to a landslide. It is noteworthy that the administration has acted promptly to reestablish traffic on the thoroughfare.
Routes from Mangan to Gangtok and Mangan to Singhtham are likewise incapacitated owing to landslides at multiple points. Fresh landslides have also emerged near TCP Army Rangrang in Mangan and near Lalbazar in Rimitkhola.
The landslide in Likubhir in Kalimpong has engendered extensive traffic gridlocks on the road. Vehicles journeying from Siliguri to Sikkim are being rerouted through Coronation Bridge via Rangpo. Additionally, cars marooned on that route have been stationed temporarily and will be permitted passage progressively when conditions allow.
Approximately 1,215 tourists, including 15 international visitors, have been ensnared in Lachung town for the past week due to relentless rains that have ravaged the road and communication framework in Mangan district, as reported by Tourism and Civil Aviation Secretary C S Rao.
Landslides and torrential rains have thus far resulted in at least six fatalities, officials conveyed. They have also demolished homes, disrupted electricity and food provisions, and hindered cellular networks across numerous locales. The bereaved families have received an ex gratia disbursement of Rs 4 lakh from the district administration.
The Eastern Command of the Air Force in Shillong has been diligently collaborating with the Advance Headquarters in Kolkata to ensure adept management of the operation despite adverse weather conditions. Persistent precipitation and dense fog have imposed considerable impediments, complicating aerial maneuvers and the prompt evacuation of stranded individuals.
Alongside the IAF, the Indian Army and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) have marshaled resources to aid in the rescue missions. The BRO has mobilized significant manpower and heavy machinery to clear obstructed routes, particularly targeting critical roads like Dikchu-Sanklang-Toong and Gangtok-Chungthang, pivotal for reinstating connectivity in the beleaguered regions.
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has mandated all ministers and MLAs to actively engage in the rescue operations. To streamline coordination and support for stranded tourists, a dedicated helpdesk has been instituted at Rangpo in East Sikkim. The helpdesk can be reached at the following numbers: Ravi Vishwakarma (8768095881) and Pushpajit Burman (9051499096).
Despite the convoluted circumstances, relentless efforts are in progress to safeguard and support those affected by the natural calamity in Sikkim. The concerted endeavors of the IAF, Indian Army, BRO, and local authorities exemplify a unified commitment to efficaciously manage the crisis and restore normalcy in the region.
As the rescue mission persists amidst erratic weather patterns, stakeholders remain vigilant in observing developments and modifying strategies to enhance relief operations. The paramount concern remains the safe evacuation and welfare of all individuals impacted by the severe conditions in Sikkim.