Rajnath to inaugurate memorial park in honour of soldiers killed in Sikkim flash floods

PTI, Oct 7, 2024, Gangtok:  Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will next week inaugurate a memorial park in Pakyong district in honour of around 24 soldiers, who died in the Sikkim flash floods a year ago, officials said on Monday.

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang visited the newly-constructed ‘Prerna Sthal’ at Bardang, and spoke to senior army officials about the memorial, they said.

“The army’s commitment to this admirable cause exemplifies the highest standards of service to the nation,” Tamang said.

During his visit, the CM also carried out a thorough inspection of arrangements ahead of the defence minister’s visit.

The flash floods in the Teesta river basin wreaked havoc in the Himalayan state on October 4, 2023, killing at least 46 people.

Agencies: Defence Minister  is set to visit Sikkim from October 10 to 12, 2024, following the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) disaster that struck the region last year.

During his visit, the Minister will chair a high-level meeting with senior officials from the Indian Army at the Army's Living Office. Key topics of discussion are expected to include the severe road conditions in North Sikkim, which have been affected for an extended period due to the natural calamity.

Additionally, the Defence Minister will engage with officials from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF), and the Indian Army to review ongoing infrastructure and connectivity projects in the area. Meetings with Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and Governor Om Prakash Mathur are also scheduled.