Guwahati: Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps Launches Operation Him Setu to evacuate stranded tourists in Lachen, North Sikkim. Landslides have disrupted road connectivity between Lachen and Chungthang in North Sikkim, impacting movement in the region.
Responding swiftly, the Trishakti Corps under Eastern Command, Indian Army, launched Operation Him Setu to restore access and assist stranded tourists. Despite severe weather and heavy snowfall, troops have opened critical passes and activated alternate routes to enable evacuation.
The evacuation of all stranded tourists in Lachen, North Sikkim, was successfully completed in an incident-free, coordinated, and seamless manner within 48 hours, despite adverse weather conditions. A total of 1321 tourists and 84 local residents were safely evacuated during the operation.
Connectivity in the affected area had been restored through the construction of a footbridge, enabling safe and continuous evacuation across disrupted stretches following landslide damage on the Lachen–Chungthang road.
Reception centres were established at key locations to provide food, shelter and medical care, while medical teams remained deployed to assist those in need. Army vehicles also assisted in towing civilian vehicles across difficult terrain.
The operation was executed in close coordination with the civil administration and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), which simultaneously undertook road clearance, snow removal and restoration of connectivity under challenging terrain and weather conditions.
The evacuation effort was led by the Trishakti Corps under Eastern Command, Indian Army, with troops maintaining a continuous ground presence to ensure safe and orderly movement throughout the operation.
An Army official stated, “Troops ensured restoration of connectivity, including construction of temporary bridges and safe crossing points, enabling uninterrupted evacuation despite adverse conditions.”
The Border Roads Organisation is working in close coordination with troops of Trishakti Corps, undertaking continuous road clearance, snow removal and restoration of connectivity under challenging weather and terrain conditions. Army vehicles were employed for towing civilian vehicles across steep and snowbound stretches. Medical emergencies and citizens requiring assistance have been evacuated promptly.
The Indian Army is working in close coordination with the civil administration, providing on-ground assistance, medical aid and facilitating de-induction as conditions permit. An Army official stated, “Our foremost priority is the safety and well-being of every citizen. Our teams remain committed to providing all necessary assistance on the ground.” The situation continues to be closely monitored.
