BRO restores road connectivity amid inclement weather in Sikkim

Author: Laxman Sharma July 18, 2023 0 Comments

Over 1400 tourists and 130 vehicles found themselves stranded in these valleys, cut off from the outside world. Moreover, the flow of essential supplies and emergency services was significantly hindered, posing a grave challenge for the region Gangtok: Sikkim has been experiencing a staggering 600-700 mm of rainfall, and the unrelenting downpours over the past week have brought about adverse consequences for the local population.On July 14, the fury of the incessant rains wreaked havoc on the road communications to North Sikkim as multiple breaches and landslides occurred at Raphangkhola and Lanthakhola, severely damaging the Gangtok to Chungthang road.As a result, the movement of both locals and tourists to the picturesque Lachen and Lachung valleys was completely disrupted.

Over 1400 tourists and 130 vehicles found themselves stranded in these valleys, cut off from the outside world and the flow of essential supplies and emergency services was significantly hindered, posing a grave challenge for the region.

The situation called for immediate action, and the Karamyogis of Project Swastik rose to the occasion. They responded with meticulous planning and swiftly mobilized Quick Reaction Teams, along with deploying two excavators and a wheel dozer.A total of 160 Bravehearts from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) embarked on an arduous task, working day and night in unfavourable weather conditions to restore vital road communication.This effort was carried out in close coordination with the State administration and the Army, recognizing the time-critical nature of the task, especially for the large number of Army troops deployed along the Line of Actual Control in North Sikkim.