Multiple Landslides Hit Sikkim, Connectivity To Lachen Cut Off, NH10 Shut Again

Nature’s fury continues to ravage Sikkim, disrupting road connectivity to different parts of the state.
A fresh massive landslide has struck Munshi-Thang in North Sikkim severing Lachen on Monday.

The landslide has cut off connection between Chungthang and Lachen.

Fresh landslides also occurred between Melli and Rangpo (NH10) disrupting traffic movement on the National Highway that has been shut for several days now because of landslides and floods.

Although, Lachen remains isolated since last year’s GLOF tragedy, the road had become barely motorable in recent days. However, the latest landslide has completely cut off access once again.

Earlier, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang said that the tourism sector has taken a major hit because of the closure of NH-10.

It may be mentioned here that the prices of essential commodities in Sikkim have risen significantly because of the closure of NH-10. Items costing Rs 10 in Siliguri are currently being sold for around Rs 70 in Sikkim.

A high-level meeting was also convened in New Delhi on July 8 for discussions to handover the maintenance National Highway 10 to a central agency such as the NHIDCL. The meeting was chaired by Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) in New Delhi.

The meeting was also attended by officials of concerned departments of Sikkim and West Bengal such as PWD, Water Resources Department, Railway, NHPC and NHIDCL.

Following the meeting, no appropriate action has been taken, and people continue to suffer.