North Sikkim: The Border Roads Organization (BRO) has demonstrated unwavering dedication by restoring connectivity to North Sikkim amidst challenging conditions. This effort comes in response to incessant rains since June 11 that caused multiple landslides and road breaches, severely impacting access to the region.
The unprecedented heavy rains led to significant disruptions on key routes such as Dikchu-Sanklang-Toong, Mangan-Sanklang, Singtham-Rangrang, and Rangrang-Toong roads, leaving approximately 1200-1500 tourists stranded. The situation was exacerbated by the collapse of the newly constructed suspension bridge at Sanklang, a critical link to North Sikkim and the Dzongu region.
In a swift and coordinated response, BRO deployed multiple heavy machinery and hundreds of laborers to clear the landslides. The organisation successfully cleared multiple slides along the Sanklang-Toong road, making it passable for light vehicles. Similarly, the road stretch between Naga and Lanthakhola on the Mangan-Chungthang road has been cleared for traffic. Despite significant breaches at traditional slide points such as Lanthakhola and Rafangkhola, BRO continues to deploy heavy equipment to restore vehicular connectivity as soon as possible. In the interim, a log bridge has been constructed to ensure foot connectivity across the breached areas.
BRO’s efforts have already facilitated the evacuation of the first batch of 50 stranded tourists from Chungthang to Mangan. The personnel of Project Swastik, despite adverse weather conditions, have been working tirelessly and coordinating closely with state authorities to expedite the road evacuation of tourists.
Lt. Col. Mahendra Rawat, PRO Defence, highlighted the organisation’s commitment to rescue operations and the restoration of connectivity, ensuring that stranded tourists receive the necessary assistance promptly.
It should be mentioned that earlier BRO also repaired the 180m wide breach caused by Namak Nullah near Dikchu by moving precast culverts from Kalimpong. Around 700 personnel and 20 excavators are deployed to address multiple landslides, ensuring faster connectivity to Mangan in north Sikkim. Incessant rains have created havoc in many places of Sikkim and breached many major roads causing major communication disturbances and over 1500 tourists were stranded in many tourist places of the hill state.
