Sikkim Govt offices to remain open during Durga Puja and Dusshera

The government offices would be working to ensure that the restoration and rehabilitation work post the floods go on uninterrupted and the people do not suffer anymore

The Sikkim Government offices will not take a break during this Durga Puja and Dusshera, two important Hindu festivals. They would continue to work and all Sikkim government offices would be open from October 23 to 27 so that the relief, restoration and rehabilitation work post the devastating flood continues uninterrupted and the people do not suffer anymore. The government has been working on war footing to ensure the devastated people get relief at the earliest.

A circular issued on October 19 said, “the entire administrative machinery of the state is engaged in the immediate task of rescue, relief and rehabilitation works….the presence of Government officials in the affected areas, the Districts and the State Headquarters is felt necessary. Therefore, the State Government offices shall remain fully functional during the Durga Puja (Dasain) holidays starting from 23rd to 27th October, 2023”.

However, heads of departments/secretaries and other officers and staff who celebrate Durga Puja would be exempted if they desire so. All those officials who plan to leave the station would require prior approval of the Chief Secretary so that their charge can be given to other officials, the circular said.

The Teesta River flash flood on October 4 prompted the evacuation of a total of 4,353 people, including tourists, migrant workers, and locals from North Sikkim.

The official death toll currently stands at 57, with 24 Army personnel among the victims who were washed away from their camp in Bardang near Singtam. Additionally, 78 individuals are officially reported as missing – 17 in Mangan district, 25 in Gangtok district, 30 in Pakyong district, and six in Namchi district.

The Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) reported that approximately 2,413 people have been rescued, and 1,203 houses have been damaged due to the flash floods. About 25,065 people have been affected by the disaster, and 6,875 people have been relocated to relief camps.

The flash floods also damaged/washed away 15 major bridges, 18 minor bridges, and portions of National Highway 10, significantly impacting transportation and infrastructure in the state.

Also Read : Sikkim Flash Floods: CAP seeks CBI inquiry into Sikkim Urja ‘scandal’, submits memorandum to Guv

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