KalimNews, April 25, 2025, Gangtok : In a proactive response to the ongoing challenges caused by continuous rainfall and landslides in North Sikkim, the District Administration has ensured the safe evacuation of tourists from Chungthang to Mangan via the newly inaugurated Bailey bridge at Sangkalang. As of this morning, approximately 200 vehicles have crossed the bridge and are en route to Gangtok, offering much-needed relief to those stranded. Over 1,200 tourists remain in Lachung and around 600 in Lachen, as severe landslides and deteriorating road conditions have rendered the Lachen–Lachung route impassable. These roads have been severely affected since the devastating floods that struck the region two years ago.
The Bailey bridge at Sangkalang, constructed and launched by the Trishakti Corps of the Indian Army, was officially inaugurated just yesterday and has quickly become a critical link in facilitating movement out of the affected region. District Collector of Mangan, Mr. Anant Jain, along with Superintendent of Police Mr. Sonam Detchu Bhutia, visited the bridge site this morning to monitor and guide the evacuation operations, underscoring the administration’s hands-on approach to crisis management.
Meanwhile, access to Lachen and Lachung remains restricted due to heavy mudslides triggered by last evening’s rainfall. Restoration work is being conducted on a priority basis to reopen these vital routes, with machinery and personnel actively working to clear the debris and ensure the safety of all travellers. Following their site visit to Sangkalang, the District Collector, SP Mangan, and Deputy Director of the District Disaster Management Authority proceeded to Chungthang for further assessment of the situation.
The District Administration has simultaneously mobilized a robust ground-level response at Bop on the Chungthang–Lachung road. Accompanied by key officials including the SDM Chungthang, SDPO Chungthang, SHO Lachung/Chungthang, ADC (Development) Chungthang, Deputy Director (DDMA), and local representative Pipon Lachung, the District Collector inspected the roadblock and directed the 86/115 GREF to deploy necessary machinery without delay. Coordination with local construction firms has also been initiated to speed up the clearing of blocked roads.
Tourists stranded in Lachen and Lachung have been advised to stay in their respective hotels, with assurances from hotel operators regarding adequate food and lodging arrangements. There have been no reports of casualties or medical emergencies, and the situation remains under control.
Additionally, the Power Department has been tasked with restoring electricity to affected areas, including Chungthang, Lachen, and Lachung, as part of broader recovery efforts. The District Collector is scheduled to visit Leema tomorrow, contingent on the clearance of the Bop road, and will also review the conditions at Munshithang, where significant landslides have been reported on the Lachen–Chungthang road, along with similar disruptions at Lema/Bop on the Lachung–Chungthang stretch.
Despite the challenging weather, with continuous rainfall making nighttime travel to Chungthang unsafe, the District Administration remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring public safety. In view of the current conditions, all travel permits to North Sikkim have been suspended for tomorrow, and existing permits have been cancelled until further notice.
