Lower Kambal families still waiting for 2023 GLOF rehabilitation support: BJP

GANGTOK, : State BJP has taken serious note of the continued hardship faced by the residents of Lower Kambalward under Tumin-Lingiconstituency, who, the party said, are still awaiting meaningful assistance and rehabilitation following the devastating Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) of October 2023.

Following repeated grievances received from local residents regarding the alleged negligence of the administration and the State Government in addressing their concerns, a high-level delegation of BJP Sikkim, led by State president DR Thapa, visited the affected area and assessed the situation on the ground, a State BJP press release on Wednesday informs.

During the visit, the State BJP delegation learnt that several families have suffered extensive damage to their houses, agricultural land and properties due to the GLOF. Despite repeated appeals and requests to the concerned authorities, the affected families claim that their grievances remain unresolved and that adequate rehabilitation or support has not reached them, said the party.

“The condition of the affected area raises serious questions about the manner in which post-disaster relief, rehabilitation and restoration measures are being implemented. It is particularly unfortunate that, years after the GLOF disaster, families continue to struggle with damaged land and houses without a satisfactory resolution to their legitimate concerns,” said the State BJP.

BJP Sikkim maintained that disaster-affected citizens must not be left to fend for themselves. Relief and rehabilitation are not merely administrative formalities but a matter of human dignity, justice and the responsibility of the government towards its citizens, the party said.

“The BJP also recognises the substantial assistance and support extended by the Government of India towards disaster management and recovery in Sikkim. It is therefore imperative that the benefits of such assistance reach the genuinely affected people in a transparent, timely and accountable manner.”

In view of the gravity of the situation, BJP Sikkim said it has decided to take up the matter at the highest appropriate level and seek necessary intervention so that the grievances of the affected families of Lower Kambal are properly examined and justice is delivered.

“BJP Sikkim remains committed to standing with the people of Lower Kambal and will continue to pursue the matter until their genuine concerns regarding rehabilitation, damaged properties and livelihood are appropriately addressed,” said the party.