A senior delegation from the Civic Action Party-Sikkim (CAP-S) visited Governor Lakshman Prasad to submit a memorandum expressing deep concerns about the widespread natural disasters affecting Sikkim. The recent monsoon rains have resulted in numerous fatalities, and destruction of infrastructure, and left over 1,400 tourists stranded.
CAP-S Party Chairman Bharat Basnet highlighted the devastating impact of last October’s flash floods, which caused significant damage across the state, with reconstruction efforts still incomplete in many areas. He stated, “Incessant monsoon rains this year have led to severe landslides across the state, disrupting roads along NH 10 till our extreme borders, hampering the movement of people, tourists, and defence personnel.”
Basnet criticised the Sikkim government and the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) for their perceived indifference, emphasising that as the nodal agency, the SSDMA is responsible for the planning, coordination, and supervision of disaster prevention, mitigation, preparedness, and management. He stressed the importance of timely warnings and pre-emptive evacuations to ensure the safety of lives and property in Sikkim.
The CAP-S underscored that Sikkim, being a disaster-prone region, necessitates a robust disaster management framework to mitigate the effects of natural calamities such as landslides. The delegation pointed out that the ineffective implementation of the Disaster Management Act 2005 by the Sikkim government has led to frequent disasters, disrupted tourism, endangered lives and livelihoods, and caused substantial revenue losses to the state.
Dear Reader,
Every day, our team at EastMojo travels through rain, rough roads, and remote hills to bring you stories that matter – stories from your town, your people, your Northeast.
We do this because we believe in truthful, independent journalism. No big corporate backing, no government pressure – just honest reporting by local journalists who live and breathe the same air you do.
But to keep doing this work, we need you. Your small contribution helps us pay our reporters fairly, reach places others ignore, and keep asking the tough questions.
If you believe the Northeast deserves its own fearless voice, stand with us.
Support independent journalism. Be a Member.
Thank you,
Karma Paljor
Editor-in-Chief, eastmojo.com
In their memorandum, CAP-S called for immediate action to ensure the effective implementation of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 in Sikkim. They outlined several key measures, including strengthening early warning systems, enhancing the resilience of infrastructure, conducting regular risk assessments, improving inter-departmental coordination on hazard reduction and mitigation plans, and bolstering community preparedness to respond effectively to disasters.
Also read | 3.5-year-old would not comprehend what a sexual assault is: Sikkim HC