Sikkim on high alert after major landslide near Yangang

The Sikkim government is closely monitoring the aftermath of a major landslide that struck near Bhaley Dhunga in Yangang at around 1 a.m. on Wednesday following continuous heavy rainfall in the region.

According to an official statement issued by the Office of the Press Secretary to the Chief Minister of Sikkim, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) has directed all concerned departments and agencies to remain on high alert, continuously assess the situation and take all necessary preventive and relief measures to mitigate risks arising from further landslides and adverse weather conditions.

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The administration has urged residents to remain alert, follow official advisories and avoid vulnerable areas. It also appealed to the public not to circulate unverified information on social media and to rely only on official updates.

Acting on the Chief Minister’s instructions, Deputy Speaker and Rangang-Yangang MLA Raj Kumari Thapa led a joint assessment and monitoring exercise involving officials from the district administration, police, forest and wildlife department, public health engineering department, state disaster management authority, panchayat representatives and local volunteers.

The team conducted a detailed inspection of the affected area and prepared a report to facilitate further monitoring and mitigation measures. Officials confirmed that the landslide occurred on a hillside opposite Bhaley Dhunga, separated by a natural cliff and valley formation, and does not pose any direct threat to the Bhaley Dhunga Skywalk project or nearby infrastructure.

The assessment team noted that the landslide had temporarily obstructed the flow of the Bhaley Khola. However, the blockage was later cleared naturally, restoring the river’s course. Authorities, nevertheless, remain vigilant amid concerns over terrain instability and fluctuating water flow.

As a precautionary measure, the government has prepared a contingency evacuation plan for residents of Mazua Busty in Upper Rangang, located near the river course. Officials said residents would be shifted to Culture Park, Yangang, if the situation deteriorates. Necessary logistical and relief arrangements have already been identified.

The Sikkim government said it would continue to monitor the situation in coordination with local authorities and stakeholders and take appropriate action based on ground assessments and weather conditions.