NH 10 under 10 feet deep accumulated sand

SANJAY AGARWAL, EOI, RANGPO, OCTOBER 7, 2023: The October 4 flash flood in river Teesta has blocked the arterial National Highway 10 connecting Sikkim with the rest of the country due to mudslides and flood water at various places. 

The flood water that  has entered Golitar near Singtam has caused sand 10 feet deep to accumulate on the road. With the Pakyong district administration coming in with the National Highway and Infrastructure Development Corporation to remove the accumulated mud near Golitar, the road was temporarily opened on Saturday. 

The Pakyong Police has issued a notification imposing restrictions on the movement of vehicles from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the National Highway for the removal of debris from the road at Golitaar. Small vehicles have been asked to use the Singtam – Cheuribhotey – Duga route in case of emergencies. 

The section of the National Highway 10 from Rangpo to Siliguri has also collapsed. Vehicles from Rangpo to Siliguri are plying via Lava or other options. 

People from outside the state are facing many difficulties in reaching home. There are complaints of some vehicles charging excessive fare, taking advantage of the situation. 

Many people have demanded that the Sikkim Nationalized Transport buses resume the services. For the last four days, Rangpo is dark; without a power supply. The Power Department has informed that it would take three more days to restore power supply.