Gangtok: The Teesta River, a lifeline for Sikkim, has surged an alarming 2.5 metres above its usual level following a night of incessant downpours, sparking widespread apprehension across the region. Authorities have swiftly moved to impose immediate travel curbs, prioritising public safety amidst the escalating situation.
In a decisive move, the district administration has halted the issuance of permits for North Sikkim today, Saturday, citing treacherous road conditions. The primary route to Chungthang, a critical transit hub for both tourists and locals, remains impassable at several points due to a series of landslides and severe waterlogging.
“Considering the prevailing safety concerns and the inaccessibility of routes, all permits previously issued for May 31, 2025, stand cancelled,” an official statement from the district office confirmed, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Concurrently, dedicated rescue and recovery teams are on the ground, actively engaged in searching for any missing individuals and extending assistance to residents impacted by the adverse weather. Authorities have issued a strong advisory to all travellers and local inhabitants, urging utmost caution and full cooperation with emergency personnel.
Weather projections for the region indicate persistent instability, prompting a vigilant watch by authorities over the river’s flow and the condition of the roads. A periodic review of the situation is anticipated before any decision is made to reinstate travel access to North Sikkim.