Lachen residents protest in Gangtok over delayed road restoration after 2023 disaster in North Sikkim
Gangtok, May 25
Aggrieved residents from Mangan district's Lachen in North Sikkim gathered in Gangtok on Monday to show their dissatisfaction against the alleged slow pace of road restoration work being carried out by General Reserve Engineer Force after the 2023 disaster.
The aggrieved people said that despite several assurances, road connectivity to Lachen has still not been fully restored, causing difficulties for local residents, tourism stakeholders, and transport operators.
The aggrieved citizens also met area MLA Samdup Lepcha in Gangtok. After the meeting, the MLA informed that GREF has assured that the route will be reopened by June 15.
He further stated that the people have demanded a meeting with Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang to directly hear from him regarding the issue. The MLA said he would try to arrange a meeting between the Chief Minister and the people.
The residents alleged that the delay in reopening the road has badly affected daily life and economic activities in the high-altitude region. They urged the authorities to speed up the restoration work and restore proper connectivity at the earliest.
On October 3, 2023, the Lhonak glacier in the Sikkim Himalayas burst, breaching one side of the lake, leading to a rise in the water levels in Teesta and inundating several areas of the state, leaving dozens dead and tourists in thousands stranded.
The disaster resulted in significant loss of life, with dozens of people confirmed dead and many others reported missing. It displaced thousands of residents and left many tourists stranded across the region.
The surge washed away numerous bridges, roads, and homes across North Sikkim.
In the Lachen Valley specifically, the force of the river destroyed multiple essential bridges and long stretches of the road network, effectively severing strategic and civilian connectivity.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The 2023 disaster was devastating enough – dozens dead, thousands stranded. Now a year later, the road still isn't fixed? This is basic infrastructure. The government should prioritize these remote areas, not just tourists but also the daily lives of people. 👏
I visited Sikkim last year, and the resilience of the Lachen people is incredible. But even so, the pace of restoration is frustrating. MLA Samdup Lepcha should push harder – a meeting with the CM is the bare minimum. Hope June 15 deadline is real this time.
Respectfully, the disaster was a natural calamity, but the recovery shouldn't be this slow. The Lhonak glacier burst was a warning about climate change in the Himalayas. We need better disaster preparedness and faster response. Government, please listen to the people!
As an outsider, I admire the spirit of the Lachen community. But this delay is unacceptable. The state and central authorities need to coordinate better – these high-altitude regions deserve modern infrastructure and timely restoration. Prayers for the people of Sikkim. 🙏
The Teesta surge washed away entire bridges and homes – it's a miracle more lives weren't lost. But the road is the lifeline for Lachen's economy (tourism, transport). Protests in Gangtok are justified. Hope the CM takes note soon. 🚧
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