The evacuation of stranded tourists from Lachung in Sikkim's Mangan district finally commenced on Monday, with 64 tourists rescued from Lachung on Monday and relocated to Mangan town by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). At first, nine tourists were brought to Mangan by road, and another 55 joined them later in the day, officials said. The rescue operation was temporarily halted due to adverse weather conditions, with plans to resume the evacuation on Tuesday. Connectivity between Chungthang and Mangan was restored via the Toong bridge over the Teesta River, enabling the initial phase of the rescue.
Led by Mangan District Magistrate Hem Kumar Chettri, the operation includes officials from the Tourism and Civil Aviation, Forest Departments, and the Travel Agent Association of Sikkim (TAAS). Despite challenges posed by incessant rains and multiple landslides, the evacuation is proceeding cautiously and safely in batches.
Approximately 1200 tourists, including foreigners, have been stranded in Lachung for over a week due to extensive road and communication network damages caused by torrential rains and landslides across Mangan district. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is actively engaged in restoring road networks to facilitate vehicular traffic to and from Mangan district at the earliest.
In response to the natural calamity exacerbated by heavy rains since June 12, causing extensive landslides in Mangan, the BRO has mobilised significant human resources and machinery to promptly restore connectivity to North Sikkim. The situation remains critical following the collapse of the newly constructed suspension bridge at Sanklang, a crucial lifeline for North Sikkim and Dzongu
Despite challenges, efforts are ongoing to evacuate all stranded tourists safely, with additional logistical support and rescue operations planned contingent on weather conditions. The swift and efficient response by the 758 BRTF team under Project Swastik exemplifies their dedication and resilience in the face of adversity, reaffirming their commitment to restoring vital connectivity and rescuing stranded tourists in North Sikkim.
District Magistrate Hem Kumar Chettri expressed optimism about airlifting the remaining tourists to Mangan on Tuesday, contingent on favourable weather. Six helicopters are on standby at Bagdogra near Siliguri, prepared not only for tourist evacuation but also to transport essential supplies to residents of Chungthang and Lachung. The district administration, alongside police, Forest Department, BRO, NDRF, and local panchayats, remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all affected individuals.