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States » EastPosted at: Jun 4 2025 11:50PM


Sikkim govt planning to evacuate stranded tourists by road

Gangtok, June 4 (UNI) The Sikkim government is planning to evacuate the stranded tourists from
9,000 ft high Lachen to safer places in phases by road since the flying of helicopters is dangerous due to the prevailing weather conditions and continuous rain, sources said on Wednesday.
Only 33 stranded tourists were airlifted, and two attempts to airlift further failed.
"As part of the ongoing rescue and evacuation operations, two helicopters have been stationed at
Pakyong Airport since June 3, So far, one successful sortie has been conducted, during which 33
stranded tourists were safely airlifted."
However, due to poor weather conditions, subsequent flights have not been possible. On two separate attempts, the helicopters had to return mid way. If the weather remains unfavorable in the coming days, we will be moving forward with Plan B: Ground Transshipment," a government communique said this evening.
Under Plan B, the transshipment operation (Lachen to Chungthang – 28 km) in north Sikkim. There are 4/5 critical block points between Lachen and Chungthang, including damaged sections and collapsed bridges. These areas require crossing on foot and temporary arrangements to ensure safe passage, the communique said.
From the Lachen side, teams comprising the local public, Indian Army, NDRF, and GREF are actively
working to construct footpaths and temporary wooden bridges to make the road safe for the stranded
tourists. And from Chungthang upwards, the SDM office, along with NDRF, GREF, and local volunteers, were engaged in similar efforts to restore access and facilitate movement.
In a latest advisory, all travel organisations were asked to be on standby and fully prepared to coordinate the evacuation of their tourists as soon as the route is operational and declared safe for foot-based transshipment.
About 200 tourists have been stranded at Lachen and Chaten army camps since last Thursday evening when massive landslides triggered by torrents blocked the main as well other arteries disconnecting Lachen from the rest of the world.
Lachen is the last village in north district, about 110 km from Gangtok.
UNI PC RN
Tags: #Sikkim govt planning to evacuate stranded tourists by road
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