Relief efforts in full swing at Mirik landslide-affected areas

REZA PRADHAN

DARJEELING, : Relief operations are underway in full swing along with efforts to restore road connectivity in Mirik subdivision, the worst-hit area affected by landslides that occurred between Saturday night and early Sunday morning across Darjeeling hills.

Meanwhile, NH 10, the main route connecting Sikkim and Kalimpong to the plains, remained open on Monday. The route from Darjeeling to Siliguri via Pankhabari and Tindharia also continues to be accessible to traffic.

Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) chief executive AnitThapa and Darjeeling MP RajuBista visited various landslide-affected locations in Mirik at different times on Monday.

Thapa directed GTA Sabhasads to identify land for permanent rehabilitation for families whose homes have been damaged. Currently, temporary relief camps have been set up in several community halls, including the Mirik Bazar Community Hall, where around twenty-four families who lost their homes are being sheltered.

Speaking to reporters, Thapa said, “Natural calamities like these are frequent during the rainy season in the hills, and this time, unfortunately, many lives have been lost. We held a virtual meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee yesterday to discuss the landslides. We are assessing the extent of the damage, and once the evaluation is complete, the final report will be made public.”

“Currently, NH 10 and the Pankhabari route are open. Work has begun to reopen Rohini Road as soon as possible. There are also plans to install a temporary Bailey bridge to connect Mirik to Siliguri via Dudhia, where the iron bridge collapsed,” he added.

Due to the damaged iron bridge at Dudhia, the Mirik-Siliguri route remains closed, forcing commuters to travel via Ghum. Local sources report that construction for a permanent bridge beside the Bailey bridge is underway.

Thapa also mentioned that Chief Minister Banerjee has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for each victim who died in the landslides.

Banerjee visited various areas affected by the heavy rainfall in North Bengal on Saturday night, including places in Jalpaiguri today, and is scheduled to visit Mirikon Tuesday, sources said.

MP RajuBista, who visited landslide-hit areas and reliefcenters in Mirik, said, “Our immediate priority is to provide relief, food, shelter, and medical care. Beyond that, we must focus on long-term rehabilitation to help families rebuild their lives.”

Both leaders emphasized the importance of collective efforts to support the affected people.

PriyaGurung, a victim sheltered at the Mirik Bazar Community Hall, recounted, “The landslide happened around 4 a.m. on Sunday. Debris covered most parts of our house, and the door to the room where my parents were sleeping was blocked. We had to rescue them through the ventilator. Since our area is unsafe to stay in, our six-member family is currently living at the relief center.”

Mirik Municipality Chairman L.B. Rai said, “Those whose houses were damaged have been accommodated in relief camps set up in community halls. We are providing food and shelter. According to current reports, over 100 houses have been completely damaged, with many more partially affected.”