Sikkkim faces surging food prices and commodity shortage: Golay

SUJAL PRADHAN, EOI, GANGTOK, JUNE 15, 2024 : Chief Minister of Sikkim Prem Singh Tamang on Saturday said 67 families had been relocated to relief camps in landslide-hit areas in the State. 

A series of devastating landslides had struck the state, resulting insignificant loss of life and property. The incidents which occurred in various regions including Mangan, Muajuwa and Yangan had left communities reeling and compelled urgent calls for aid, he said.

In Mangan, a landslide claimed the lives of six people, while in Muajuwa, three individuals lost their lives and many others were injured. Yangan saw numerous houses destroyed, further exacerbating the crisis. 

A total of 67 families had to be relocated to relief camps as emergency services and the state government scrambled to provide assistance. "I was in Arunachal when this tragedy occurred," the Chief Minister said. 

"I have informed the Centre about the extensive losses and have requested immediate funds to aid our response. With road closures and the inability to move heavy vehicles, we are facing a surge in food prices and commodity shortages. We are taking these matters very seriously and have sought help from the Centre.

"The closure of key national highways, particularly the strategic Teesta Basin road had added to the logistical challenges, he said. 

"The Centre is also taking the situation seriously and has sent a representative from the Ministry of Transport to assess the damage. The national highway in the Teesta Basin is an old but crucial route, and its closure impacts not only local traffic but also strategic movements," Tamang said. 

The state disaster management team was actively involved, and the Sikkim government had allocated necessary funds to district collectors and administrations. "We are providing Rs 5 lakhs in compensation to the families of the deceased, "said the Chief Minister. 

"We will also rebuild the homes of those whose properties have been destroyed or swept away. "Efforts were also underway to assist tourists stranded in Lachung and Lachen. 

"They are safe and being monitored closely. We are ensuring they have adequate food supplies and will be airlifted from their hotels once the weather improves," said Tamang. The state currently had enough food supplies to last for at least a month, which will be distributed as needed. 

Meanwhile, road clearing operations in Mangan and Dzongu were in progress, with assistance from the Border Roads Organization. The Chief Minister said that the state was committed to restoring normality and ensuring the safety and well-being of all affected residents and visitors. 

“People have elected us to victory, now it's our time to serve,” the Chief Minister said. Addressing an event at Yangang, the Chief Minister expressed both gratitude and concern amidst recent developments in the state. 

"People voted for us in 31assembly constituencies.

We are in such a phase that we should celebrate, and I must congratulate people. "But he acknowledged the recent landslides that had affected the state, saying: "But as the landslide has affected the state ... it is not a moment to celebrate. 

"He assured that the government was actively engaged in relief efforts, coordinating with all departments to provide assistance to affected families. Addressing the resignation of Namchi Singhithang legislator Krishna Kumari Rai, Tamang said: "There is no problem and politics inside the party." 

Rai, who is Tamang's wife, resigned as an MLA citing her dual role as both legislator and the Chief Minister's spouse. Tamang commented on her decision: "My wife is working for me, and she cannot be MLA and Chief Minister's wife together."