GANGTOK: Sikkim’s lone Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba on September 25 held a pivotal meeting with Lieutenant General Raghu Srinivasan, Director General of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), at Seema Sadak Bhawan in New Delhi.
A press release informs that the focus of their discussions was the critical condition of the roads in North Sikkim, which have been severely affected by the devastating floods in the Teesta River during the night of October 4 and 5. These floods left a path of destruction, disrupting connectivity in a region that is geographically vulnerable and strategically vital.
Subba, who has been closely monitoring the situation, informed the BRO Director General that the roads in North Sikkim remain in a dire state, with several areas still inaccessible due to the absence of proper motorable routes. The damaged roads have left many parts of the region isolated, and despite the relentless efforts of local authorities and other agencies, the need for immediate, large-scale rehabilitation is clear.
Lieutenant General Srinivasan, fully aware of these challenges, shared the concerns and acknowledged the urgency of the situation.
In a detailed and thoughtful exchange, Indra Hang Subba stressed that the monsoon season in Sikkim is gradually coming to an end, with autumn approaching, followed by a period of dry winter He recognized this transitional period as an opportune moment for the BRO to accelerate road repair efforts.
With favorable weather conditions on the horizon, the Lok Sabha MP urged the Director General to mobilize additional resources and expedite the reconstruction of roads in North Sikkim, ensuring that vital infrastructure is restored before the onset of the next monsoon.
The meeting also touched upon the broader implications of the damaged roads, particularly from a national security perspective. North Sikkim’s roadways serve not only as lifelines for the local communities but also as crucial arteries connecting India to its northernmost borders with China. The region’s strategic importance, given its proximity to the international boundary, cannot be overstated. A failure to repair and maintain these roads could lead to vulnerabilities in India’s defense preparedness.
Indra Hang Subba and Lieutenant General Srinivasan, sharing a deep understanding of the geopolitical sensitivities, acknowledged that delays in road repairs could inadvertently provide an advantage to forces seeking to undermine India’s sovereignty and security along its Himalayan frontiers.
In light of these pressing concerns, Subba requested that the BRO take immediate action to address the situation. He suggested that the organization consider doubling its workforce or employing any other necessary measures to ensure that the roads are not only restored but strengthened to withstand future adversities.
The road network in North Sikkim is not just a means of connectivity for the local population; it is a critical component of India’s national security infrastructure, linking remote regions to the rest of the country.
“In conclusion, Indra Hang Subba’s meeting with the Director General of the BRO highlighted the urgency of restoring North Sikkim’s road infrastructure. His appeals were grounded not only in the immediate needs of the region’s people but also in the broader context of national security, emphasizing that the work undertaken now will have long-term implications for the region’s stability and India’s strategic posture in the Himalayas. The Director General, sharing these concerns, assured Subba that the BRO would prioritize the repair and rehabilitation efforts, taking full advantage of the forthcoming dry season to restore the critical roadways of North Sikkim,” the release informs.
- SA Report
Office of the Member of Parliament
Lok Sabha, Sikkim
