Lachen residents seek early restoration of Taramchu footbridge, propose tunnel solution

GANGTOK,: Residents of Lachen in North Sikkim have urged the government to expedite the restoration of steel footbridge at Taramchu, citing severe disruption in connectivity and essential services in the area, officials said on Tuesday.

The issue was discussed at a meeting held at Tashiling Secretariat today in the presence of Social Welfare minister and Lachen-Mangan MLA Samdup Lepcha, Chief Secretary R. Telang, Pipons and executives of Lachen Dzumsa, Tsutimpa of Lachen Monastery and Lachen residents, informs a press release.

During the meeting, residents expressed concern over the over disruption in connectivity caused by delay in restoring the footbridge, the work for which is currently being undertaken by the General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF).

It was informed during the meeting that the existing footbridge had been installed by the Indian Army and would be taken back by the Army authorities. In this regard, the local residents proposed constructing a replacement bridge on their own and assured that they would take full responsibility for executing the work.

The residents also proposed construction of a 180-metre tunnel as a permanent solution to recurring connectivity problems in the region, the release mentions.

Highlighting the urgency of the matter, minister Lepcha urged that a joint meeting involving representatives of Kundan Company, the chief engineer of GREF, Lachen Dzumsa and Mangan DC be convened to expedite implementation of the proposed measures.

Chief Secretary Telang informed the gathering that the matter had already been brought to the notice of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, and that a meeting would be convened shortly to discuss the issue.

He also said that the Roads & Bridges department should submit a formal proposal incorporating the concerns and requirements raised during the meeting for necessary government consideration and action.