GANGTOK: Indra Hang Subba, the Lok Sabha MP from Sikkim, has submitted a representation to Union Road Transport & Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari seeking urgent action on the alarming situation on NH 10 – the lifeline connecting the border State with rest of the nation.
Presently, the NH 10 is in a fragile condition, particularly at the Teesta stretch under West Bengal’s Kalimpong district with frequent landslides and flooding due to overflowing Teesta River – particularly along the Melli-Teesta Bazaar stretch during periods of heavy rainfalls in the upper reaches. The crucial highway, which stretches from Gangtok to Sevoke is maintained by NHIDCL, a Central government undertaking, since October 2024.
In his memorandum, Subba informed the Union Minister that the Teesta River has undergone major geomorphological changes following the devastating Teesta River flash flood of October 2023.
“A significant consequence has been the rise in the riverbed due to deposition of silt, boulders, and debris, which has resulted in repeated over-flooding of NH 10 during rainfall. Several vulnerable stretches along the highway, particularly between Sevoke and Melli, are now prone to frequent inundation, endangering the lives and properties of residents and commuters alike”, said the Lok Sabha MP.
As per a Jal Shakti Ministry-appointed panel’s report, the Teesta riverbed has increased significantly at various stretches, starting from Sangkhalang in North Sikkim to Melli and Teesta Bazaar area under Kalimpong district. The worst-affected is the Melli stretch where the riverbed has risen by nearly 14 metres due to heavy sediment deposition from the October 2023 flash flood, drastically reducing the river’s carrying capacity and triggering serious flood risk concerns.
“These recurring floods have not only compromised the safety and usability of NH 10 but have also disrupted critical supply chains, emergency services, and tourism. Local residents have suffered property loss and continue to live under the threat of further erosion and isolation,” said Dr Subba.
Considering the critical situation, the Lok Sabha MP urged the Union Road Transport & Highways Minister for immediate technical assessment and stabilization work along the flood-prone stretches of NH 10; urgent flood mitigation measures, including river training, embankment reinforcement, and enhanced drainage infrastructure; and long-term silt and debris management in the Teesta River basin, in coordination with relevant hydrological agencies.
The Jal Shakti Ministry committee, in its report, had advised against extensive dredging/ earthwork removal on the river, while suggesting that certain duration should be allowed to the river to stabilize its regime.
As a strategic, long-term solution, Dr. Subba emphasised the Ministry to strongly consider the proposal for an alternative Greenfield highway between Sevoke and Melli on the opposite bank of Teesta River, to avoid the vulnerable, flood-prone section of NH 10.
The alternative Greenfield highway is proposed as a parallel and resilient route to the existing NH 10.
“This new alignment would provide strategic redundancy, improve regional connectivity, and ensure uninterrupted access to Sikkim in the face of recurring natural disasters. We believe that such a Greenfield corridor, developed with modern design and flood-resistant features, would significantly reduce the vulnerability of the region and support long-term development and disaster resilience,” submitted the Lok Sabha MP to the Union Minister.
To address the ongoing flood situation, the Lok Sabha MP urged the Union Minister to direct the NHIDCL to install temporary elevated corridors along the most vulnerable stretches of NH 10. He submitted that these elevated structures would help prevent flooding caused by rising Teesta River and serve as an interim solution until the proposed Greenfield alternative highway is completed.
We remain hopeful for your kind consideration and immediate action on this matter of critical importance, said Subba in his representation.
In response, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari directed Ministry officials and engineers to take appropriate action on the concerns and demands raised by the Sikkim MP, a press release informs.
- SA Report
