Gangtok: Hundreds of tourists who found themselves stranded in the picturesque yet currently isolated regions of Lachen and Lachung in North Sikkim are set to be evacuated through an alternative route.
This decision follows a series of massive landslides at Munshithang, triggered by relentless heavy rainfall that began on April 24th, effectively cutting off the primary roadways and leaving over a thousand visitors in limbo.
The intricate operation to bring back the stranded individuals will utilize the Sanklang Bailey bridges route, situated at Sankalang in Dzongu. Leading the charge in this critical endeavor is Mangan District Collector Anant Jain, who confirmed the mobilization of this alternative passage to ensure the safe return of all those affected. Joining him on the ground, overseeing the crucial relief efforts, are Superintendent of Police (SP) Mangan, Sonam Detchu Bhutia, and the District Project Officer (DPO) of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Karma Dorjee Wazarlingpa.
Responding swiftly to the deteriorating weather conditions and the perilous state of the roads, the Sikkim Police’s Permit Cell issued an immediate suspension on all tourist permits for North Sikkim. This crucial directive, announced on April 24th and taking effect from today, April 25th, aims to prevent any further individuals from venturing into the hazardous zone.
The official advisory explicitly points out that significant landslides have rendered the vital Lachen-Chungthang road at Munshithang and the Lachung-Chungthang road near Lema/Bob completely impassable. While the route leading to Chungthang itself remains open for now, authorities have strongly cautioned against any travel during the night due to the persistent rainfall and the heightened risk of additional landslides occurring.
“Considering the current circumstances, no new permits will be issued to tourists intending to travel to North Sikkim,” the Permit Cell unequivocally stated. Furthermore, they confirmed the immediate cancellation of any permits that had already been issued for travel on April 25th.
In this challenging situation, authorities are earnestly appealing to all visitors to refrain from traveling to the affected areas and to extend their full cooperation to the emergency personnel who are working tirelessly to ensure the safe passage and well-being of all the stranded tourists.
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