Army Evacuates Over 1,400 Stranded in Sikkim Landslide, Lachen Closed Indefinitely
In a swift and coordinated rescue effort, the Indian Army's Trishakti Corps under the Eastern Command successfully evacuated more than 1,400 individuals, including tourists and local residents, who were stranded in North Sikkim's Lachen area following a devastating landslide. The incident, which occurred near the Tarum Chu Bridge, severely damaged a critical stretch of the Chungthang-Lachen route, prompting immediate action from authorities.
Landslide Disrupts Key Route, Triggers Evacuation
The landslide, which struck earlier this week, caused significant disruption to the Chungthang-Lachen road, a vital artery in the region. In response, the district administration suspended all vehicular movement and announced an indefinite closure of Lachen until further notice. This decision was made to ensure public safety and allow for necessary repairs and assessments of the damaged infrastructure.
Operation Him Setu: A Phased Rescue Amid Adverse Conditions
Defence PRO Guwahati Lt Col Mahendra Rawat detailed the evacuation, which was conducted under 'Operation Him Setu' led by the Trishakti Corps. Despite challenging weather conditions, the operation was completed within 48 hours. A total of 1,321 tourists, predominantly from West Bengal, and 84 local residents were safely evacuated. Additionally, 32 light vehicles and 10 bikes were recovered during the process.
To facilitate the rescue, the Army temporarily restored connectivity by constructing a footbridge across the damaged sections of the Lachen-Chungthang road. This allowed evacuees to cross safely while military vehicles assisted in towing civilian vehicles through difficult terrain. Reception centers were established at key points to provide essential services such as food, shelter, and medical assistance, with medical teams deployed on-site to address any health concerns.
Collaborative Efforts with Civil Administration and BRO
The evacuation was a joint effort involving close coordination with the civil administration and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). The BRO played a crucial role in road clearance, snow removal, and restoring connectivity, while the civil administration supported logistics and public safety measures. Mangan district collector-cum-magistrate Anant Jain confirmed that while the evacuation process has been completed, the Lachen axis remains temporarily closed due to the extensive road damage. He emphasized that the road will stay shut for tourists until further notice, with authorities continuing to monitor the situation closely.
Implications and Ongoing Monitoring
This incident highlights the vulnerability of remote regions to natural disasters and the importance of rapid response mechanisms. The successful evacuation underscores the Army's capability in disaster management, even under adverse conditions. As the area remains closed, authorities are focusing on assessing the damage and planning for long-term repairs to prevent future disruptions. The situation is being closely watched to ensure the safety and well-being of all affected individuals.
