GANGTOK: A joint team led by the Revenue Officer, Chungthang, and the Station House Officer (SHO), Chungthang, conducted a comprehensive feasibility survey on June 5 to assess the current situation and explore immediate restoration measures for establishing communication and connectivity along the North Sikkim’s Chungthang–Lachen axis, which has been severely impacted by recent natural calamities.
The team comprised representatives from various key departments and agencies, including the Revenue Inspector (RI), Chungthang; Officer-in-Charge (OC), Fire and Emergency Services; members of the State and National Disaster Response Forces (SDRF and NDRF); officials from the Power Department; Disaster Management Authority officials; Quick Response Teams (QRTs) of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA); as well as Pipon and representatives of the Lachen Dzumsa.
Local residents also actively supported the efforts, informs a press release from Mangan district aministration.
Previously, significant strides had been made by the NDRF, SDRF, Forest Department QRTs, and DDMA QRTs of Chungthang in establishing temporary connectivity up to Rabum through the installation of makeshift bridges. These efforts allowed partial access to otherwise inaccessible zones. However, during the current survey, it was observed that the temporary measures at Rabum require reinforcement, and there is an immediate need for the construction of a more durable log bridge to sustain connectivity and logistical movement.
The team extended their survey further north towards Tarum Chu, where the situation is considerably more alarming. The entire roadway infrastructure in the Tarum Chu region has been obliterated, with large stretches of road completely washed away. The terrain in the area is treacherous, and continuous soil erosion, debris flow, and unstable slopes are posing serious challenges for the establishment of even temporary connectivity structures such as log bridges.
The extent of the devastation along the Tarum Chu axis is severe, hampering both accessibility and the mobilization of essential relief and rehabilitation resources. The team has determined that the setting up of even temporary structures in this region will be a time-consuming and high-risk operation, requiring strategic planning, technical expertise, and additional resources.
The district administration, in coordination with all relevant departments, is prioritizing the formulation of a targeted restoration plan, with immediate attention being given to ensuring the safety of the local population and field personnel engaged in restoration work.
The administration appeals to the public to remain patient and cooperative during this challenging time, and assures that every possible effort is being made to restore normalcy at the earliest, informed the Mangan district administration.
- SA Report
