Lachen route disrupted, tourists evacuation likely today

GANGTOK,: The Chungthang-Lachen road in North Sikkim is disrupted following a major breach in the road formation near Tarum Chu Bridge.

As per reports, the road collapse at the spot took place following continuous water flow along the stretch, disrupting road connectivity between Chungthang and Lachen.

The North Sikkim district administration issued an advisory informing that theLachen axis has been temporarily closed due to a breach in road formation near Tarum Chu Bridge.

All tourists currently stranded at Lachenwere advised to remain in Lachen for tonight and avoid any movement in view of prevailing weather conditions and safety concerns.

The evacuation of stranded tourists is planned to be undertaken Monday morning, subject to improvement in weather conditions, and clearance of snow along the Dongkya La axis.

The district administration, along with Police, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), and the Indian Army, is actively coordinating efforts to ensure swift snow clearance and safe evacuation of tourists from Lachen via Dongkya La -Lachungroute, and then to Gangtok.

All road agencies are working on a war footing to expedite snow clearance. The exact timing of evacuation will be communicated and will remain subject to weather conditions and road safety assessments, said the district administration.