Guwahati, July 14, 2023: Large portions of northern and eastern Sikkim, including the crucial Nathula Pass, have been cut off due to devastating landslides caused by heavy rainfall, according to officials on Friday.

The landslides have resulted in the disruption of vital routes, including the passage connecting India and China via Nathula, as well as popular tourist destinations like Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir from Sikkim’s capital, Gangtok.

Efforts are underway by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to restore connectivity by clearing the affected highways. However, officials estimate that it may take at least a day to reopen the roads for traffic due to the extensive damage caused by the landslides.

As a precautionary measure, the tourism department has temporarily halted the issuance of tourist passes for visiting the affected areas until the road conditions improve and connectivity is restored.

In addition to the disruption at Nathula Pass, incessant and heavy rainfall has also caused significant damage to roads at Rafung Khola and Lanthey Khola, leading to a complete disconnection between Mangan and Chungthang in northern Sikkim. Furthermore, six minor landslides along the route have isolated popular tourist destinations like Lachung and Lachen from the rest of the state.

The BRO has already commenced repair work, but it may take an estimated 3-4 days to fully reopen the roads and resume normal traffic flow, as stated by an official.

The authorities are actively working towards restoring connectivity and ensuring the safety of residents and tourists. They advise individuals to exercise caution and cooperate with the ongoing efforts until the situation is resolved and normalcy is restored.

Source: PTI