Northeast Desk, 29th July— A year after the catastrophic Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) devastated Naga village in North Sikkim, the remote community continues to face significant challenges. The GLOF, triggered by a sudden release of water from a glacial lake, displaced residents, destroyed homes, and severely damaged local infrastructure.
Former Chairman Nim Tshering Lepcha, a long-time resident of Naga, has provided a ground report highlighting the ongoing struggles of the community. Despite temporary shelters being provided, Lepcha criticizes these measures as inadequate for long-term recovery. “Temporary shelters are not a long-term solution,” Lepcha stated. “The government must prioritize permanent rehabilitation for the affected families. The residents of Naga village have been uprooted from their ancestral lands and need stable, permanent housing to rebuild their lives.”
Lepcha also raised concerns about the deplorable condition of local roads, which are crucial for connectivity and security in the border region. “The roads here are in dire need of repair and upgrade,” Lepcha explained. “Despite promises and plans, progress has stalled for over ten months.”
The stalled Bharatmala project, aimed at enhancing national highways and border road infrastructure, has exacerbated the problem. Lepcha noted that the project survey has been pending for 2-3 years with no visible progress. “The Bharatmala project is critical for our national highway network,” he said. “The delay in its implementation is unacceptable. This road is vital not just for local connectivity but also for national security.”
Lepcha contrasted the situation with developments on the Chinese side of the border, where a four-lane road is under construction. “The disparity poses a significant risk to our national security,” Lepcha warned. “The government must treat this matter with the urgency it deserves.”
Lepcha’s appeal to the Government of India is clear: immediate action is needed to ensure permanent rehabilitation for Naga village residents and to accelerate the construction and improvement of border roads. “The people of Naga village have faced immense hardship,” he concluded. “It is time for the government to address these issues seriously and provide the necessary support and infrastructure.”