The first snowfall of the season transformed Changu Valley in East Sikkim into a picturesque winter wonderland. While the snow brought joy and scenic beauty, it also caused travel disruptions and highlighted the challenges of winter tourism in the region. From road closures to landslides, the early arrival of winter has posed logistical challenges for both residents and tourists.
Devastating landslides triggered by severe rainstorms have wreaked havoc in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Sikkim, just weeks before the crucial Durga Puja tourist season. Major roads are blocked, power outages are widespread, and flooding is rampant, leaving thousands in distress.
Sikkim has made it easier for tourists to visit key attractions like Nathu La Pass and Tsomgo Lake by simplifying its Protected Area Permit (PAP) system. The new system decentralizes permit issuance, introduces daily limits, and offers incentives for longer stays, aiming to enhance the tourism experience while prioritizing sustainability.
Sikkim has inaugurated the Dhapper-Bale-Dhunga Ropeway, the longest in India, in Yangang. This new attraction promises breathtaking aerial views, enhanced accessibility to remote areas, and a boost to adventure tourism in the state. The inauguration ceremony was attended by prominent figures, highlighting the government’s commitment to sustainable tourism development.
Four Indian Army personnel were killed in a road accident while traveling from West Bengal to Sikkim. The incident occurred in Pakyong District, with the deceased identified as driver Pradeep Patel, craftsman W Peter, Naik Gursev Singh, and Subedar K Thangapandi. This tragedy comes amidst ongoing security operations in other parts of India, including the death of six CPI (Maoist) cadres in Telangana and an attack on a military station in Jammu.
Another dam collapse has occurred at the Teesta power project in Sikkim, less than a year after a similar incident. The Teesta Stage 5 dam, operated by NHPC, suffered damage due to a landslide on Tuesday. While no casualties have been reported, the incident highlights the ongoing vulnerability of the region to glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and the impact of climate change on Himalayan infrastructure.
An earthquake with a magnitude of 4.4 on the Richter Scale struck Soreng, Sikkim, early this morning. The tremor occurred at 06:57 IST, as reported by the National Center for Seismology.
The Sikkim administration has evacuated over 1,200 tourists stranded in North Sikkim following landslides triggered by heavy rains. The evacuation began on June 17th, with the Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps playing a crucial role. The situation worsened after a newly constructed suspension bridge collapsed, cutting off access to North Sikkim and Dzongu. The government has also ordered the closure of all government schools in Mangan district due to safety concerns.
Heavy rains and landslides have caused widespread devastation in Sikkim, leaving thousands stranded and roads impassable. A road connecting Mangan district to the rest of the state was washed away, and floodwaters have left hundreds of students isolated. The Sikkim Chief Minister has announced financial aid for the victims.
Over 1,200 tourists are stranded in Sikkim’s Mangan district due to disrupted road and communication networks caused by landslides. If weather permits on Sunday, evacuation efforts will commence. The state has experienced two natural calamities in recent days, including a landslide in Namchi district that claimed three lives and one in Mangan district that killed six.
