Monday, Oct 21, 2024 22:45 [IST]
Last Update: Sunday, Oct 20, 2024 17:06 [IST]
GANGTOK,: Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba recently undertook a comprehensive four-day tour of North Sikkim to assess the damage caused to the region’s infrastructure and roads.
North Sikkim’s road networks - vital for the local populace, tourism sector and defence personnel – had suffered widespread damage during the Teesta flood of October 2023 and this year’s monsoon.
The visit from October 1 to 4 also saw the Lok Sabha MP having meaningful engagements with the local communities, students, and security personnel, while also reviewing the ongoing reconstruction efforts, informs a press release from his office.
Day 1: Visit to Naga village & Dzongu
On the first day, the Lok Sabha MP visited Naga village, one of the most severely impacted areas by the Teesta flood. There, he inspected the roads and observed the progress made by the General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) under BRO in constructing new roads. He also held a brief meeting with local leaders, including the zilla panchayat, village panchayat, and a former chairman, to discuss the ongoing recovery efforts.
Following his visit to Naga, Indra Hang travelled to Dzongu, where he held a meeting at the office of the Block Development Officer (BDO). The discussion focused on the extent of road damage, as well as the progress made in rebuilding vital infrastructure.
During his time in Dzongu, the Lok Sabha MP interacted with students from various local schools who were gathered for quiz and arts competitions, offering them words of encouragement.
Later in the evening, the Lok Sabha MP reached Lachung.
Day 2: Gandhi Jayanti celebrations in Lachung & visit to Katao border post
The second day of the visit, October 2, was marked by the Lok Sabha MP’s participation in the Gandhi Jayanti celebrations in Lachung.
As part of the Swachhata Abhiyan, a cleanliness drive inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s vision, Indra Hang planted a sapling and engaged in discussions with the Pipons of Lachung Dzomsa. He also addressed the general public, emphasizing the importance of cleanliness and community development.
After the Gandhi Jayanti celebrations, the Lok Sabha MP and his team made their way to Katao, a strategic border post on the frontier with the People's Republic of China. The MP was warmly received by the army officers and sepoys stationed there.
During the visit, Indra Hang paid tribute to the brave martyrs of the Indian Army who had sacrificed their lives defending the nation’s borders. He was then briefed by senior officers on the security situation and the challenges of guarding the sensitive border areas. The day ended with a breath-taking view of the majestic Mt. Katao before the team returned to Lachung.
Day 3: Expedition to High-Altitude Posts & Gurudongmar Lake
October 3 proved to be the most challenging and longest leg of the journey. Starting from Lachung, the team travelled through Yumthang to reach Donkyala Pass, after which Indra Hang offered prayers at the sacred Tso Lhamu Lake, located at an altitude of 5,100 meters. The visit to this holy lake stressed the MP’s reverence for the spiritual and cultural heritage of the region.
From there, Indra Hang proceeded to the Kerang post, a high-altitude border post guarded by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). After a warm reception, he held a meeting with senior officers to discuss the security measures in place along the border.
The journey then continued to the highest point of the entire visit—Dorjeela Pass. At this extreme altitude, standing and breathing posed challenges, yet the Lok Sabha MP and few members from his team pressed on to the post, where they interacted with the ITBP officers and jawans stationed there. The highlight of this visit was the awe-inspiring view of Gurudongmar Lake, along with its twin lake located behind it. Following this visit, Indra Hang offered prayers at Gurudongmar Lake, honouring Sikkim’s patron saint Guru Padmasambhava.
The MP and his team then descended to Thangu and eventually reached Lachen, where he engaged with village elders and residents. The discussions centred on the damage caused to the roads by the flood, as well as the severe impact on the local economy due to the loss of tourism, the main source of livelihood for the community.
Indra Hang reviewed the ongoing work by GREF to rebuild the damaged roads and bridges, ensuring that connectivity could be restored as soon as possible. After this, he returned to Lachung via the newly constructed Muchithang Road, a kutcha road built by GREF for the movement of defence vehicles. Although this road serves as the sole link between Lachen and other parts of North Sikkim, it is extremely dangerous due to its rough terrain, high altitude, and proximity to the Teesta River.
Reflecting on the journey, the Lok Sabha MP expressed his deep appreciation to the GREF and BRO teams for their efforts in restoring road connectivity, despite the challenges posed by the mountainous terrain. He also extended his gratitude to the Lachung and Lachen police for providing continuous escort throughout the journey, and to the Indian Army and ITBP for their unwavering service in guarding the nation’s borders.
Lastly, the Lok Sabha expressed heartfelt thanks to the people of Lachung and Lachen for their warm hospitality, and to the hotel 'The Country House' and its proprietor Thsering Wanchung Lachungpa for graciously hosting him and his team during their stay in North Sikkim.
This visit not only highlighted the MP’s commitment to addressing the region’s infrastructural challenges but also strengthened the bond between the local communities and the nation's defense forces stationed in the high-altitude areas of North Sikkim.
The Lok Sabha MP’s four-day visit to North Sikkim demonstrated his dedication to assessing the damage caused by the Teesta flood and ensuring the rapid restoration of infrastructure in the region. His engagement with local communities, security personnel, and officials highlights his commitment to the well-being of both the people and the strategic importance of Sikkim's borders. The visit not only shed light on the ongoing recovery efforts but also reinforced the need for collective action to rebuild and strengthen the region's connectivity and economy, the release mentions.
