Sikkim, Jun 13 (Siliguri Journal) – The Border Roads Organisation (BRO), operating under the Union Defence Ministry, has completed two vital bridges in Mangan district, North Sikkim. BRO sources revealed that a flash flood in the Teesta River on October 4 last year, triggered by the outburst of South Lhonak Lake, caused extensive damage in North Sikkim. Approximately 20 kilometers of roads were destroyed, and 16 bridges were washed away in the area.
The two bridges include a 140-meter-long steel bridge at Phidang, connecting Dikchu to Sanklang, and a 130-meter-long permanent bridge at Toong, linking Mangan to Chungthang.
“The BRO took up the task and worked overtime, sensing the criticality of the bridge at Toong. Despite inclement weather, the construction of a modular bridge has been completed. The work on the approach road is ongoing. The road is likely to be opened for traffic by the end of this month,” said a source.
The BRO has also completed a Bailey suspension bridge at Phidang. “This will help ensure seamless traffic movement between Dikchu and Dzongu,” the source added.
Following the flash flood, the BRO, in collaboration with the Indian Army, restored connectivity to Dzongu and Chungthang by launching twin Bailey bridges over the Teesta River at Sanklang.
To ensure year-round connectivity across the Teesta, the BRO constructed a Bailey suspension bridge at Sanklang, which has been operational since February 10 this year.
“Still, local residents, the army, and tourists faced difficulties as they had to travel an additional 50 km to reach Chungthang. Once these new bridges are opened, it will cut down both distance and travel time,” the source added. From Chungthang, two roads lead to Lachen and Lachung, the tourist hotspots in Mangan district.
Landslide
Monsoonal downpours continued in Sikkim on Tuesday. The Dikchu-Singtam Road was blocked at Tintek Khola when a truck got stuck. The army, the BRO, and other agencies are working to tow the truck from the site.
Rainfall caused landslides at Sirisey Dara on the Yangang-Singtam Road, forcing people to take detours. The heavy rains also caused damage in Thek, a village in Parakha block of Pakyong district. It triggered erosion in Maltini, a local river, and damaged houses.
Two relief camps have been opened in the area for affected villagers. The downpour also triggered landslides in various parts of Gangtok Municipal Corporation, damaging houses, government quarters, and roads, and snapping water pipelines. A government official stated that teams had been mobilized to manage the situation and assist residents.
