NH-10 damaged after portion of road caves into Teesta

Amitava Banerjee | MP | 13 Sep 2018| Darjeeling: The National Highway 10, the lifeline of Sikkim, was heavily damaged on Thursday with a portion of the road caving into the river Teesta. Due to heavy rains in Sikkim, the Teesta is flowing above the danger mark also.

In between 29th Mile Bazaar and Galekhola, around 5 metres of the road caved in at around 11:30 am on Thursday.

Light vehicles were initially plying from the part that was still intact.

A truck, while trying to cross over, could not negotiate the small passage and blocked the road. This resulted in serpentine jams on both sides. Later the vehicle was towed to the side and the road opened up to vehicles. Repairs will take time as the damage is of serious nature and vehicular traffic needs to be stopped for repairs to take place, stated an official.

Meanwhile, the Teesta is flowing above the danger-level mark with heavy rains taking place in Sikkim. The Teesta Water Commission office stated that the level has touched the 209.60m mark.

Incidentally in 2015, incessant rains had wrecked havoc all over the Hills triggering multiple landslides. Many people had lost their lives on June 30 that year. Teesta's level had touched the 212 m mark at that time.

On Wednesday night, police personnel had alerted locals and asked them to abandon their houses along the river bank.

"We are keeping a close tab on the situation and are coordinating with our counterparts in Sikkim; NHPC officials; Gram Panchayats and the police. We have asked the residents not to venture near the river," stated Dr. Vishwanath, District Magistrate, Kalimpong.

Sources state that notices have been served to four families to vacate their houses located near the river and move to safer grounds.

In Singtam, the administration too alerted the locals to stay away from the river with it overflowing.

A special weather bulletin by the Indian Meteorological Department states that rain and thunderstorms are likely to occur in many places over the districts of Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim on Friday also.