Sikkim's Chief Minister Updates on Tourist Access Amid Infrastructure Challenges

Tourist Access in Sikkim

Gangtok: On Thursday, Sikkim's Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang announced that only the Lachen and Lachung areas in the northern region of the state are currently off-limits to tourists, while all other attractions are open for visitors.

He emphasized that Sikkim is eager to welcome tourists, highlighting that all six districts, not just Mangan, boast stunning destinations ready for exploration.

Addressing recent rumors about infrastructure issues, the Chief Minister clarified that five bridges were reported damaged due to the 2023 Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF), but in reality, they were affected by heavy monsoon rains this year.

Tamang reassured that with assistance from the Central government, the state is dedicated to long-term development, focusing on the reconstruction and fortification of vulnerable bridges throughout Sikkim to avert future incidents.

Despite the temporary closure in North Sikkim, officials confirmed that the rest of the state remains safe and accessible for tourists. Approximately 1,500 visitors were stranded in Lachen and Lachung after the Phidang bridge, a crucial link, suffered significant damage.

The situation was exacerbated by a landslide near the Chhaten Army camp close to Lachen, which hindered road evacuations.

While tourists in Lachung were successfully evacuated earlier, those in Lachen required air rescue operations.

The evacuation is being executed in phases, with half of the stranded tourists airlifted on Tuesday and the remainder scheduled for today.

The initial air sorties were launched from the army helipad in Chhaten, facilitating the rescue of both tourists and military personnel, who are being transported to the Greenfield Airport in Pakyong.