Mangan: The evacuation process of stranded tourists in Chungthang began from Toong via Mangan through roadways at 12 pm today. This effort is being facilitated by the District Administrative team led by Hem Kumar Chettri, alongside the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Forest officials, and the Travel Agent Association of Sikkim (TAAS).
Despite incessant rains and multiple landslides, the team is equipped and handling the evacuation with safety, care, and caution, in batches. A total of nine tourists were evacuated in the first batch, with a second batch following them.
Dzongu, Chungthang, and Lachung in North Sikkim are among the areas with no road connectivity, as major bridges have been washed out by the Teesta River. A team from Sikkim Tourism had foot-marched from Mangan to Lachung on Sunday to oversee the evacuation of tourists and assess road conditions.
Initially, authorities planned to airlift tourists using IAF and Tourism Department helicopters. However, due to bad weather conditions, tourists had to be evacuated by road. Tourism Minister Tshering Thendup Bhutia, addressing the press on Sunday, stated that around 1,800 tourists, including drivers, were stranded in North Sikkim. According to the Minister, IAF helicopters are on standby at Bagdogra Airport and will commence evacuation flights once the weather clears.
The evacuation is being conducted in phases, prioritizing patients, children, and senior citizens, according to the Minister. Efforts to restore road connectivity between Mangan and Gangtok are underway. Although NH310A from Gangtok up to Mangshila (before Mangan) is open for traffic, it remains littered with numerous landslides and breaches, particularly at the traditional sinking spots at Phensong and Namok.
Hem Kumar Chettri, DC Mangan, addressed the media, reporting that initial plans for air evacuation from Lachung were unable to materialize due to bad weather conditions. However, evacuation of tourists began this morning in Mangan district.
Chettri elaborated, stating, “Approximately 1,800 tourists and drivers are stranded in Lachen and Chungthang. We’ve advised hotels not to force tourists to check out and are ensuring their accommodation and provisions.”
He highlighted the logistical challenges, citing landslides on the route to Gangtok. The Border Roads Organisation, Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority, and other agencies have built log bridges to facilitate evacuation.
Regarding the evacuation, Chettri mentioned, “We have six helicopters on standby at Bagdogra for the next evacuation batch. Weather permitting, airlifting will begin as early as tomorrow.”
Concerning recent incidents, Chettri reported the retrieval of three bodies from Paksep and three bodies from Ambithang due to landslides on June 10. He assured, “Relief materials are being dispatched, and efforts are ongoing to reach all affected areas despite severed roads.”
Regarding the restoration of the National Highway, he said that delays in construction are due to heavy rainfall affecting mountain streams (jhoras), which is making it difficult for the workers.
In terms of relief efforts, Chettri affirmed, “Ex-gratia payments are being distributed to those who lost homes in the landslide and to those whose houses are damaged. We will then prioritize those who lost cattle and grazing fields, in accordance with natural calamity guidelines.”
Also Read: Sikkim CM demands National Highway status for Sevoke-Rangpo road