Sudeshna Ray, Pune
Local authorities have been actively engaged in working to restore North Sikkim’s connectivity in the flood-hit areas spearheaded by the Indian Army’s operation to restore surface travel links. The Trishaktu Corps has led this initiative to tackle the heavy travel disruptions caused in light of the recent floods.
With assistance from the BRO (Border Roads Organisation) and the ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police), the local residents in the affected areas are working together to counter various infrastructural damages in the region to restore connectivity.
The Trishakti Corps declared that new footbridges are being laid along with other restoration work with a focus on connectivity through Chungthang, where a dam collapse raised serious concerns.
With badly affected areas and those that lie in the aftermath of landslides, the Indian Army is having to tackle the obstacles posed by a challenging terrain. Rescue work amidst aiding connectivity is ongoing in these regions.
Much deliberation within the state government has taken place along with surveys to assess what is needed to carry out these processes on the ground. Sikkim Chief Minister, PS Tamang has laid out his plans for these reconstruction efforts along with all the support necessary in this situation. Rations for the locals, medical assistance and other needs of patients are being met with assistance from the government.
Further efforts have been made to assist tourists in the Lachung-Lachen and other areas in North Sikkim, in the form of food, lodging and healthcare. Special attention is being given to isolated areas where the Indian Army has placed its troops to ensure these areas can avail assistance and are not cut off.
The task of undertaking reconstruction measures in rugged terrains and poor weather conditions is being met by Indian Army troops with prompt assessments, considering safety protocol and a planned effort at reestablishing connectivity.
In the interim, a helpline facility has been established for tourists and locals where safety updates and information about people’s safety to their relatives are being relayed when no other form of communication seems possible.