Army Engineers Defuse Explosive Found After Sikkim Flood

Sanjay Agarwal, EOI, RANGPO, AUGUST 30, 2024: A bomb swept away from the ammunition depot of the army at Bardang in East Sikkim during the devastating Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in October 2023 was successfully defused by army explosive experts on Thursday. The explosive was discovered by local residents in the 20 Mile area of Bardang.

They immediately informed the Rangpo Police Station about it. The police alerted the bomb disposal unit of the army stationed at Bardang, about 10 km from Rangpo. The specialized unit promptly arrived at the scene and safely neutralized the bomb, preventing any potential danger to the population in the vicinity.

Such disposals have now become an ongoing operation conducted by the army along the banks of the river Teesta, where several unexploded ordnances have been found since the GLOF, which was triggered by a partial breach in Lhonak Lake, causing a rapid and catastrophic rise in the water levels in the river Teesta.

The resultant flood swept away the ammunition depot at the Bardang army camp, scattering bombs, mines, and other explosive devices over a wide area. The continued efforts by the army to locate and defuse these explosives are essential to ensure the safety of residents living along the river Teesta. Authorities have already asked the public to remain vigilant and report the detection of any suspicious objects to the police.