Gangtok: In a swift response to the havoc wreaked by recent landslides, authorities in North Sikkim have successfully evacuated approximately 1,100 tourists who were stranded in the town of Chungthang. The administration is currently in the process of transporting these rescued individuals to the state capital of Gangtok, which lies about 100 kilometers south of Chungthang.
These tourists, many of whom had sought shelter overnight in a local gurdwara, embarked on their journey to safety in a convoy of around 200 vehicles, according to official sources. Their route from Chungthang to Mangan, the district headquarters, was made possible by the recent reconstruction and reopening of the Bailey bridge at Sangkalang, a vital link that had been disrupted by the natural calamity.
Meanwhile, concerted efforts are underway to clear the roadways leading to Lachung and Lachen, two other popular hill stations within the Mangan district. Tragically, approximately 1,800 tourists remain stranded in these locations as a result of the mudslides triggered by the heavy rainfall that lashed the region on Thursday evening. These roads, crucial for accessing the scenic beauty of Lachung and Lachen and their proximity to attractions like Gurudongmar Lake and Yumthang Valley, remain impassable.
The district administration has assured that all necessary provisions have been made to ensure the comfort and safety of the tourists awaiting evacuation in Lachung and Lachen. Adding to these assurances, Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur has stated that all tourists across various locations in North Sikkim are safe. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang is reportedly taking a direct role in overseeing the ongoing rescue operations for those still stranded.
In a parallel development aimed at preventing further complications, the Mangan district administration has announced an immediate suspension of all tourist permits for the foreseeable future. Existing permits for travel have been declared invalid, and tour operators have been formally instructed to refrain from sending any tourists towards the northern regions until further notice. The landslides, primarily occurring at Munshithang on the Lachen-Chungthang road and at Lema/Bob on the Lachung-Chungthang road, have been exacerbated by the persistent rainfall in the area, making road clearing and rescue operations a challenging endeavor.
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