North Sikkim (Sikkim) [India], January 27 (HBTV): Tourist movement in North Sikkim has returned to normal following the reopening of the Toong-Naga Road, according to Nim Tshering Lepcha, Chairman of the Sikkim Welfare Commission.
Speaking on the current situation, Lepcha said the tourist flow towards Lachung was running smoothly, with nearly 400 tourist vehicles visiting the region daily. He added that road conditions had improved significantly, ensuring safe and uninterrupted travel for visitors.
Meanwhile, the Border Roads Organisation is constructing a bridge over the Taram Chu river on the route to Lachen. The bridge is expected to be completed by the first week of February, after which tourist movement to Lachen will also be reopened.
On rehabilitation efforts, Lepcha said that 125 affected families from Rel, Naga and Toong wards would be shifted to Upper Bojoghari in Gangtok. Land parchas are scheduled to be distributed on February 8, following which construction of permanent houses will begin.
The Toong-Naga region was severely affected by the October 2023 Glacial Lake Outburst Flood, which triggered massive flooding along the Teesta basin. The disaster caused extensive damage to roads, bridges and settlements across North Sikkim, while subsequent landslides further damaged the Toong-Naga road stretch, cutting off connectivity and displacing several families.
After months of restoration work by the state government and central agencies, the reopening of the Toong-Naga Road marks a significant step towards restoring normalcy, reviving tourism and rehabilitating affected residents in North Sikkim.
(ANI)