Tourism reopened in Mangan district of North Sikkim today after being closed since May-end due to natural calamities. But on the same day, heavy rains triggered a massive landslide at Bardang near Singtam-Rangpo section (20th mile), blocking National Highway 10, the main lifeline of Sikkim.
The Bengal side of NH-10 has been repaired and opened, but the Sikkim side is still blocked. Authorities have started clearing the debris, though long traffic jams are causing severe problems to commuters.
Samrat Sanyal, general secretary of Himalayan Hospitality and Tourism Development Network (HHTDN), said Himalayan tourist destinations are becoming more unsafe. He stressed that proper planning is urgently needed to sustain tourism.
Sikkim Additional Chief Secretary C.S. Rao said connectivity has been partially restored with the new Sanklang bridge. The bridge provides access to Dzongu and reduces travel time to Chungthang by about one and a half hours.
Government guidelines for tourists
The Sikkim government has reopened Lachung and Yumthang but has issued strict rules for safety:
*Tourist vehicles travelling from Gangtok to Chungthang must cross the Sanklang bridge by 1 pm.
*Vehicles travelling from Lachung to Gangtok must cross the Tung check post by 2 pm.
*Travel after sunset is not permitted.
*Tourists must hire experienced local drivers and book only through registered operators.
*Tourists and drivers must follow the instructions of the district administration in case of emergency.
Frequent blockages on National Highway-10 highlight the frailty of Sikkim’s connectivity. Experts say long-term measures are needed to ensure safe travel and sustainable tourism in this Himalayan state.
