In a virtual meeting on Monday, the Chief Secretary of Sikkim, V. B. Pathak, conveyed to Union Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba that the inadequate telecommunication connectivity in north Sikkim was hampering crucial rescue operations.

Reportedly, the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), in collaboration with the army, has devised a plan to airlift five Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) units and skilled technicians to Lachen, Lachung, Chungthang, Chatten and Theng to restore communication services.

Furthermore, Chief Secretary Pathak revealed the dire consequences of flooding, highlighting the complete devastation of the Army Ammunition Depot at Munshithang, situated above Chungthang.

The Teesta basin has been filled with weapons, ammunition and explosives, posing a significant risk to the populace and hindering debris and sludge clearance, especially in residential areas along the riverbank, as informed.

Consequently, residents were urged to promptly notify local law enforcement if they encountered any ammunition or explosives, with the army conducting controlled detonations as needed.

To mitigate the potential for further disasters, the chief secretary informed the cabinet secretary that the Sikkim Government has engaged with Chairman ISRO, requesting surveillance of South Lhonak Lake and Shako Chu Lake to monitor activities and avert potential catastrophes.