Sikkim: Massive landslide at 7th mile on JN road threatens border connectivity, 65 families displaced
Gangtok, July 17
A massive landslide at 7th Mile under Kyongnosla village along the Jawaharlal Nehru Road, near the Indo-China border, has continued unabated for the past 10 days, displacing 65 families and raising serious concerns over border connectivity and public safety.
The landslide has completely washed away the old road leading towards the border, a route considered strategically important as several Indian Army camps are located along it.
Residents fear the damage could pose a significant challenge from a border security perspective if the alternative route is also affected.
The displaced families are currently taking shelter in temporary relief camps while the landslide continues to remain active.
Local residents have alleged that despite the gravity of the situation and the area's strategic importance, no concerned authority or administrative official has visited the site to assess the damage or address their concerns.
According to the public, the damaged road falls under the jurisdiction of the General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF). Residents claim that GREF officials informed them that the road is presently not in use because an alternative route exists and that no funds are available for its restoration.
However, locals have questioned this stance, asking who would take responsibility if the existing alternative road is also blocked by landslides, potentially cutting off access to the border region.
The affected residents have appealed to the Government of India and the Government of Sikkim to urgently intervene, restore the damaged infrastructure, and implement preventive measures before the situation escalates into a larger disaster.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I feel for the 65 families who have lost their homes. But the bigger picture is national security. If that alternative route also gets blocked, our soldiers will be cut off. This is a disaster waiting to happen. The Army should take charge, not wait for GREF.
It's heartbreaking that no official has visited the site in 10 days. These people are living in temporary shelters while the landslide keeps getting worse. The bureaucracy needs to wake up—this is a border area, not some remote village. 😡
Living in the US, I often take our infrastructure for granted. Reading about this, I realize how fragile border connectivity can be in such terrain. I hope the Indian government prioritizes this before it becomes a strategic vulnerability.
This is what happens when we ignore preventive measures. Landslides in Sikkim are not new—why wasn't the road reinforced earlier? Now 65 families are paying the price. I hope the Centre releases emergency funds and sends NDRF if needed.
As someone from the Northeast, I can tell you landslides are a way of life here. But the lack of response from authorities is shocking. GREF saying 'no funds' is unacceptable for a road of strategic importance. Border security can't be compromised like this.
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