Operation HimSetu: 1,321 tourists, 84 locals evacuated in 48 hours by Indian Army
Gangtok, April 9
The Indian Army's Trishakti Corps completed the evacuation of stranded civilians under Operation HimSetu, rescuing 1,321 tourists and 84 locals within 48 hours despite adverse weather conditions.
The operation was carried out in a coordinated and seamless manner without any reported incidents, the Army said.
The evacuation effort was executed in close coordination with the civil administration and the Border Roads Organisation. Connectivity in the affected area was restored by constructing a temporary footbridge, which enabled the safe movement of stranded individuals.
The mission was led by Trishakti Corps under the aegis of the Eastern Command, showcasing swift response and effective disaster management capabilities.
Earlier on March 25, another similar incident took place when around 150-200 tourists were left stranded in Chungthang after multiple landslides were triggered by heavy rainfall in North Sikkim, according to DC Anant Jain.
Jain said the landslides occurred along key routes connecting Gangtok to Lachen and Chungthang to Lachen, leaving tourists en route to Lachen stuck at Chungthang.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is heartwarming news. The coordination between Army, civil admin, and BRO is commendable. But as a frequent traveler to the hills, I must ask: are our tourism infra and early warning systems robust enough? This is the second major stranding in weeks. We need better planning.
Constructing a temporary footbridge in such conditions? That's some real on-ground jugaad and skill. Hats off to the engineers and soldiers. Our family was in Sikkim last year, and you truly feel safe knowing the Armed Forces have your back.
Incredible efficiency - 1400+ people in 48 hours! The article mentions it was done seamlessly. This kind of disaster response capability is world-class. Glad all the tourists and locals are safe.
While we rightly praise the Army, let's also spare a thought for the 84 locals. For tourists, it's a disrupted holiday. For locals, it's their life and livelihood that gets blocked. Hope the administration is also looking at long-term solutions for these border area villages.
Trishakti Corps and Eastern Command making us proud yet again. These are the real headlines, not the political noise. 🙏
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