Latest news with #ProjectSwastik
India Gazette
3 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Extremely tragic": Priyanka Gandhi condoles death of Army personnel in Sikkim landslide
New Delhi [India], June 2 (ANI): Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday condoled the death of three Army personnel after a landslide, triggered by heavy rainfall, struck the military camp at Chaten in Lachen town of Sikkim. In a post on X, Priyanka Gandhi said, 'The news of our soldiers being martyred due to a landslide at an army camp in Sikkim is extremely tragic. May God grant peace to the departed souls and a place at His divine feet. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families.' 'The nation will always remain indebted to our martyrs and their families,' the Congress MP said. Three army personnel died and six others went missing in the June 1 incident. Four individuals have been rescued with minor injuries, while the mortal remains of three brave personnel--Havaldar Lakhbindar Singh, Lance Naik Manish Thakur and Porter Abhishek Lakra-- have been recovered, said the army. Lt Gen Zubin Minawalla, GOC Trishakti Corps, visited the site to oversee rescue efforts. Rescue teams are relentlessly working around the clock under extremely challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions to locate and rescue the six personnel who remain missing. The Indian Army expresses its deepest condolences to the families of the bravehearts who lost their lives in the incident. Every effort is being made to provide necessary support to the bereaved families in this hour of grief, the Army said. 'The Indian Army remains steadfast in its commitment to ensure the safety and well-being of all its personnel, demonstrating its unyielding spirit and dedication to duty even in the face of nature's fury,' the Army said in a statement. Incessant rainfall and a cloudburst in northern Sikkim on the night of May 30-31 triggered widespread devastation, severely damaging critical roads and bridges. The River Teesta surged sharply, snapping regional connectivity. In view of the grim situation, Project Swastik of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has swiftly launched rescue and restoration operations in the Gangtok-Chungthang and Chungthang-Lachen/Lachung sectors. Earlier today, tourists in Lachung were actively evacuated through a coordinated effort involving the police, residents, forest personnel, and the Lachung Hotel Association. Gyatso Lachungpa, president of the Lachung Hotel Association, led the evacuation operation on the ground with support from the local administration. On Sunday, Mangan district Superintendent of Police Dechu Bhutia said that over a thousand tourists were stranded in Lachen and Lachung in Mangan District due to the rains inducing landslides, bridge collapse and damage due to a high rise of the River Teesta. (ANI)
India Gazette
3 days ago
- Climate
- India Gazette
Sikkim: BRO launches project Swastik to restore roads, bridges after cloudburst swells Teesta
Gangtok (Sikkim) [India] June 2 (ANI): Incessant rainfall and a cloudburst in northern Sikkim on the night of May 30-31 triggered widespread devastation, severely damaging critical roads and bridges. The River Teesta surged by 35-40 feet, snapping regional connectivity. In view of the grim situation, Project Swastik of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has swiftly launched rescue and restoration operations in the Gangtok-Chungthang and Chungthang-Lachen/Lachung sectors. BRO teams work relentlessly to restore vital lifelines, ensuring connectivity and aid reaches the affected areas. Meanwhile, several people were stranded in the Lachung and Mangan districts due to the landslides and floods. Earlier on Monday, tourists in Lachung were actively evacuated through a coordinated effort involving the police, residents, forest personnel, and the Lachung Hotel Association. Gyatso Lachungpa, president of the Lachung Hotel Association, led the evacuation operation on the ground with support from the local administration. On Sunday, Mangan district Superintendent of Police Dechu Bhutia said that over a thousand tourists were stranded in Lachen and Lachung in Mangan District due to the rains inducing landslides, bridge collapse and damage along with a high rise of the River Teesta. He said that the evacuation process had to be delayed due to the landslide on Friday in Shipgyer in Upper Dozongu. Mangan SP assured that the evacuation of tourists will be carried out on Monday. Further, damages to the base of the Phidang bridge have restricted vehicular movement to the Dzongu constituency. The GREF completed the restoration work on Sunday, allowing residents and a few emergency service vehicles to commute on foot. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had said on May 30 that as the depression over Bangladesh is likely to move nearly north-northeastwards and weaken into a well-marked low-pressure area during the next 12 hours, warning of very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall to continue in various regions. For the next few days, IMD has forecast that rains will likely occur in most northeast regions on June 5, with no significant change in maximum temperature in various areas. (ANI)
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Time of India
Sikkim's snowfall crisis: Travellers rescued, travel permits cancelled due to dangerous weather conditions
In a recent update, East Sikkim is suffering from a heavy snowfall crisis. The roads in the region are blocked because of heavy landslides, prompting authorities to implement new travel restrictions for tourists. In response to the dangerous weather conditions, travel permits have been limited to specific locations: up to Changu Lake on the JN Road and up to Zuluk on the RN Road. These measures are part of an ongoing effort to clear the affected roads and ensure the safety of all travelers in the region. Travel restrictions The heavy snowfall created treacherous conditions, making it nearly impossible to travel in many areas. As a result, local authorities imposed limits on tourist movements to manage the situation. Road clearing efforts have been prioritized, with teams working around the clock to remove snow and debris, aiming to restore access to key routes safely. Successful evacuation of stranded tourists in Lachung by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like My Stepdad Demands I Pay Him Rent On My 18th Birthday. He Doesn't Know I Own The House So I Did This Beach Raider Undo The snowfall and resulting landslides left many tourists stranded in Lachung. Authorities acted swiftly to organize an evacuation. The district administration of Mangan, in coordination with local community groups, ensured that tourists were safely moved out of the affected areas. The Travel Agents Association of Sikkim (TAAS) took charge of logistics, while the General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) and construction companies such as A.K. Builders and SUL worked to clear the debris and restore road access. Lachung Road reopens In a significant development, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), under Project Swastik, reopened the road to Lachung for one-way traffic, allowing light vehicles to pass through. This allowed stranded tourists to be safely transported to Mangan, where arrangements were made for their accommodation. The evacuation process was described as efficient, with local authorities and the Driver Association of Chungthang ensuring safe transport for all passengers. Many of the tourists, who had been stuck for over two days, expressed their gratitude to the local authorities and community members who facilitated their safe evacuation. Thanks to the quick response of the district collector of Mangan and the SDPO of Chungthang, all affected travelers were safely evacuated from the region. This incident highlights the challenges posed by natural disasters in remote areas but also demonstrates the region's ability to respond swiftly and effectively. The travel restrictions and successful evacuation efforts reflect a well-coordinated approach to crisis management, ensuring the safety and well-being of both tourists and locals.
Hindustan Times
28-04-2025
- Climate
- Hindustan Times
Over 200 stranded vehicles evacuated safely after sudden snowfall in East Sikkim
Nearly 200 vehicles, stranded between Tsomgu and Thegu in East Sikkim, were evacuated following sudden snowfall and hailstorm. The swift and coordinated efforts of the Sikkim Police and the Indian Army ensured that all passengers were safely evacuated. Station House Officer (SHO) of Sherathang, Yogendra Gurung shared a video of the evacuation, showcasing the effective response by the authorities. ALSO READ: 1,800 tourists still stuck in Sikkim's Lachen, Lachung after landslides As a precaution, no permits have been issued for travel to Nathula, located on the Indo-China border. Meanwhile the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast generally cloudy sky with a few spells of rain or thundershowers in several areas of Sikkim. On Saturday, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) launched restoration works on a war footing in north Sikkim following massive landslides triggered by a cloudburst and incessant rains, enabling partial road connectivity for the evacuation of over 1,000 stranded tourists. According to an official release, the devastating rainfall, which recorded up to 130 mm on April 24, caused severe damage to roads leading to major tourist destinations, including Lachen, Lachung, Gomra, the Valley of Flowers, and Zero Point. The deluge triggered multiple landslides and formation breaches, severely hampering road infrastructure crucial to Sikkim's tourism-dependent economy. Under Project Swastik, BRO personnel have been working around the clock in harsh and inclement weather to restore critical links. Despite facing a formation breach of approximately 70 metres on the road to Lachen, efforts are underway on a war footing to reconnect the area. Meanwhile, Project Swastik teams achieved a significant breakthrough by reopening the road towards Lachung for one-way movement of light vehicles by the evening of April 26. The restored connectivity is expected to facilitate the safe evacuation of more than 1,000 stranded tourists from Lachung and Lachen via Donkyala Pass. With the prolonged monsoon season setting in early, BRO workers continue to strengthen damaged road infrastructure and undertake crucial surfacing work to ensure safer and more durable connectivity. Their dedicated and selfless efforts, despite relentless rains and challenging terrain, have garnered widespread appreciation from local communities. Road infrastructure remains vital for the economic and tourism growth of Sikkim, and the swift action by BRO has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the region during critical times.A massive landslide hit Munshithang on the Lachen-Chungthang road and Lema/Bob on the Lachung-Chungthang road in North Sikkim. Sikkim experiences continui The region is experiencing continuous heavy rainfall, which has made the roads inaccessible at night. Although the road to Chungthang is open, the heavy rain has made nighttime travel unsafe. As a result, permits for North Sikkim will not be issued on Sunday, and all previously issued advanced permits have been deemed cancelled. Sonam Dechu Bhutia, Superintendent of Police, Mangan district, north Sikkim, announced the cancellation of permits due to the challenging weather conditions and roadblocks caused by the landslide. "A massive landslide has occurred at Munshithang on the Lachen-Chungthang road and at Lema/Bob on the Lachung-Chungthang road. Further, it has been raining continuously in north Sikkim. The road to Chungthang is open, but due to heavy rain, it cannot be accessed at night. Hence, permits for north Sikkim will not be issued tomorrow, and all the advanced permits issued are deemed cancelled," said landslides have affected critical routes connecting tourist destinations such as Lachen, Lachung, and Yumthang in North Sikkim, areas that are popular among visitors during the spring and summer seasons. Authorities cautioned tourists and residents against travelling on these routes due to the high risk of further landslides and road collapses. (ANI)
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Business Standard
28-04-2025
- Climate
- Business Standard
Over 200 stranded vehicles evacuated safely after sudden snowfall in Sikkim
Nearly 200 vehicles, stranded between Tsomgu and Thegu in East Sikkim, were evacuated following sudden snowfall and hailstorm. The swift and coordinated efforts of the Sikkim Police and the Indian Army ensured that all passengers were safely evacuated. Station House Officer (SHO) of Sherathang, Yogendra Gurung shared a video of the evacuation, showcasing the effective response by the authorities. As a precaution, no permits have been issued for travel to Nathula, located on the Indo-China border. Meanwhile the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast generally cloudy sky with a few spells of rain or thundershowers in several areas of Sikkim. On Saturday, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) launched restoration works on a war footing in north Sikkim following massive landslides triggered by a cloudburst and incessant rains, enabling partial road connectivity for the evacuation of over 1,000 stranded tourists. According to an official release, the devastating rainfall, which recorded up to 130 mm on April 24, caused severe damage to roads leading to major tourist destinations, including Lachen, Lachung, Gomra, the Valley of Flowers, and Zero Point. The deluge triggered multiple landslides and formation breaches, severely hampering road infrastructure crucial to Sikkim's tourism-dependent economy. Under Project Swastik, BRO personnel have been working around the clock in harsh and inclement weather to restore critical links. Despite facing a formation breach of approximately 70 metres on the road to Lachen, efforts are underway on a war footing to reconnect the area. Meanwhile, Project Swastik teams achieved a significant breakthrough by reopening the road towards Lachung for one-way movement of light vehicles by the evening of April 26. The restored connectivity is expected to facilitate the safe evacuation of more than 1,000 stranded tourists from Lachung and Lachen via Donkyala Pass. With the prolonged monsoon season setting in early, BRO workers continue to strengthen damaged road infrastructure and undertake crucial surfacing work to ensure safer and more durable connectivity. Their dedicated and selfless efforts, despite relentless rains and challenging terrain, have garnered widespread appreciation from local communities. Road infrastructure remains vital for the economic and tourism growth of Sikkim, and the swift action by BRO has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the region during critical times.A massive landslide hit Munshithang on the Lachen-Chungthang road and Lema/Bob on the Lachung-Chungthang road in North Sikkim. The region is experiencing continuous heavy rainfall, which has made the roads inaccessible at night. Although the road to Chungthang is open, the heavy rain has made nighttime travel unsafe. As a result, permits for North Sikkim will not be issued on Sunday, and all previously issued advanced permits have been deemed cancelled. Sonam Dechu Bhutia, Superintendent of Police, Mangan district, north Sikkim, announced the cancellation of permits due to the challenging weather conditions and roadblocks caused by the landslide. "A massive landslide has occurred at Munshithang on the Lachen-Chungthang road and at Lema/Bob on the Lachung-Chungthang road. Further, it has been raining continuously in north Sikkim. The road to Chungthang is open, but due to heavy rain, it cannot be accessed at night. Hence, permits for north Sikkim will not be issued tomorrow, and all the advanced permits issued are deemed cancelled," said landslides have affected critical routes connecting tourist destinations such as Lachen, Lachung, and Yumthang in North Sikkim, areas that are popular among visitors during the spring and summer seasons. Authorities cautioned tourists and residents against travelling on these routes due to the high risk of further landslides and road collapses.
