Students’ future hangs in balance as NH 10 in Sikkim remains cut off

Along with tourists, the tourism sector, businesses and residents of Sikkim, students have been among the worst sufferers as the state has been battered and bruised by rain-triggered floods and landslides snapping communication.

The future of thousands of students studying in the state or seeking admission in leading higher educational institutes like Sikkim Manipal University is at stake as National Highway 10 remains cut off for close to a month now. NH 10 connects Sikkim with other parts of the country.

Floods and landslides have swept away roads and bridges and more significantly, the National Highway 10 said to be the lifeline of Sikkim, has been cut off for over a month now due to massive landslides hitting the state. This has affected not just the people of the state – the businesses and the tourism sector and people in general but this has impacted the students in a big way.

Admissions are currently going on at Sikkim Manipal University and Sikkim Central University but it has become impossible for students from outside the state to reach the colleges and universities for their admissions. This is the time when educational institutes start the admission process for the new session.

Normal life has been thrown out of gear in Sikkim for several months now. North Sikkim has been the worst affected with several areas including Dzongu in Mangan sub division being cut off for close to a month. Border Road Organisation (BRO) has been at the forefront conducting rescue and relief operations and rebuilding the roads and bridges in the state.

At 10 people have died and over 10,000 have been affected due to floods and landslides since June 12 this year.

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