Sikkim BJP surveys landslide-hit villages, seeks urgent restoration of connectivity

A high-level Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Sikkim delegation, led by state president DR Thapa, visited several villages in the Tumin-Lingi constituency on July 3 to assess the damage caused by the devastating landslides that struck the area on June 27.

 

The team inspected the affected locations, including Kaw, Chowridara, Darakharka, Lingi and nearby villages, and interacted with residents, displaced families and local officials to understand the scale of the destruction and the immediate challenges faced by those affected.

 

According to the delegation, the landslides, believed to have been triggered by a possible cloudburst, caused extensive damage across the region. Among the major losses was the destruction of Sapta Kanya Falls and its associated tourism infrastructure, including a cafeteria developed under the Bharat Darshan Programme at an estimated cost of around ₹13 crore.

 

The delegation also raised concerns over the condition of the Kaw Khola Bridge, describing it as a crucial link for the Lingi-Payong area. It said the damaged bridge needs immediate restoration to re-establish connectivity and support relief operations.

 

Road access to Kaw Gaon, Chowridara and Darakharka has been completely disrupted, leaving residents isolated for the past seven days. The delegation said the loss of connectivity has severely affected daily life and livelihoods, particularly for dairy farmers who depend on transporting milk to Sikkim Milk.

 

During the visit to Darakharka, BJP leaders met 16 families who had been evacuated from their homes as a precaution and are currently staying at Darakharka Primary School. The delegation reviewed the facilities available at the temporary shelter and asked the families to prepare a list of essential requirements, including medicines and food items, so that the party could provide immediate assistance.

 

Residents urged the visiting leaders to ensure that road connectivity is restored without delay. Responding to the concerns, the delegation spoke with the concerned Sub-Divisional Magistrate and requested the district administration to deploy the required machinery and manpower to reopen the roads at the earliest.

 

The BJP delegation assured both the administration and local residents of the party's support in relief, rehabilitation and restoration efforts, stating that it would continue to assist families affected by the disaster.