Sikkim flash floods day 13: Tourist spots of West Sikkim remain deserted

The devastating flood has taken a severe toll on the region's tourism industry

Copy edited by Bhargobi Khaund

In the wake of the catastrophic floods that have plagued Sikkim for the past thirteen days, the tourist spots of West Sikkim, which were once bustling with activity, now stand eerily deserted. The devastating flood has taken a severe toll on the region’s tourism industry, with popular destinations like the Khangchebdzonga Waterfall near Pelling, Gyalshing district, bearing witness to a sharp decline in visitors.

Before the natural disaster struck, the Khangchebdzonga Waterfall was a destination for both domestic and international tourists, with an average of over a hundred tourist vehicles visiting the site daily. However, the flood has caused a huge reduction in visitors, with only a handful of locals now frequenting the area.

“Hardly some locals stop by here nowadays”, said Kiran Rai, a local youth who runs a small eatery at the Khangchebdzonga Waterfall.

The impact extends beyond the scenic waterfall, as approximately 80 per cent of the residents from the nearby village of Lungsugoan relied on tourism-related activities for their livelihoods, such as eateries and souvenir shops. Due to the drastic reduction in tourist footfall, around 15 small eateries and shops in the area have been forced to close their doors.

This tourism slump is not isolated to the Khangchebdzonga Waterfall alone, as other popular sightseeing destinations in the state are experiencing a similar fate. West Sikkim-based hoteliers, tour operators, and trekking organizers have been hit hard, with numerous cancellations of bookings and a severe shortage of tourists.

Despite the government’s advisory stating that visiting the southern and western parts of the state is safe, West Sikkim continues to struggle with a lack of tourists. However, Tourism stakeholders are hopeful of resuming tourist flow in the state during the Dussehra holiday

Amid this disaster, evacuation missions are nearing completion in Sikkim. On October 15, a total of 4,353 people, including tourists, migrant workers, and locals, were successfully evacuated from the flash flood-affected regions of North Sikkim. The official death toll stands at 57, which includes the tragic loss of 24 Army personnel who were swept away from their camp in Bardang near Singtam. There are also 78 persons officially reported as missing, with 17 in Mangan district, 25 in Gangtok district, 30 in Pakyong district, and six in Namchi district.

The devastating floods in Sikkim have not only taken a human toll but have severely impacted the state’s tourism industry, leaving popular tourist spots deserted and local businesses struggling to survive.

Also Read : Sikkim: Govt gives Rs 10, 000 to over 8000 labourers as distress relief

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