Landslide in North Sikkim Leaves 1,000 Tourists Stranded; Evacuation Planned for Monday
A significant landslide has caused major disruption in North Sikkim, leaving around 1,000 tourists from West Bengal stranded in the Lachen area. The incident occurred when a crucial stretch of road near the Tarum Chu Bridge was damaged, prompting immediate action from local authorities.
Road Closure and Safety Advisory Issued
The district administration of Mangan has officially suspended all movement along the Chungthang–Lachen route following the landslide. Anant Jain, the district collector-cum-magistrate of Mangan, issued a public advisory confirming the temporary closure of the Lachen axis due to a breach in road formation, which has rendered travel unsafe.
Officials have advised the stranded tourists to remain indoors and avoid any travel attempts amid the current adverse weather conditions. Authorities have emphasized that all necessary arrangements are being implemented to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected.
Rescue Operation Underway with Multiple Agencies
A coordinated rescue and evacuation operation is currently in progress, involving multiple agencies working together to address the crisis. The operation includes personnel from the district administration, local police, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), and the Indian Army.
According to the administration, the evacuation of stranded tourists is planned for Monday morning, contingent upon improvements in weather conditions and the clearance of snow along the Dongkya La axis. Officials have stated that operations are being conducted on a war footing to restore connectivity along the Lachen–Dongkya La–Lachung–Gangtok route.
Partial Relief for Tour Operators
In a partial relief to the tourism sector, the Lachung–Yumthang Valley–Zero Point circuit remains fully functional. Travel itineraries and tour packages in this area are proceeding without interruption, providing some continuity for tour operators and visitors not affected by the landslide.
Authorities Urge Calm and Provide Emergency Contacts
The authorities have urged all tourists and stakeholders to remain calm, strictly follow official instructions, and prioritize safety during this challenging time. The exact timing of the evacuation will be communicated based on real-time assessments of weather and road conditions.
For assistance, emergency helpline numbers have been issued: 9907956705 and 03592281007. These contacts are available for those seeking immediate help or information regarding the situation.
This incident highlights the vulnerabilities of travel in mountainous regions during adverse weather and underscores the importance of coordinated emergency responses to ensure public safety.
