Landslides disrupt key border routes in west Sikkim

Heavy overnight rainfall has triggered multiple landslides along the vital foot track between Chouri Basti and Dhoban in West Sikkim, posing a severe risk to both Border Force personnel and local residents. The affected route, which stretches from the Chouri Basti border outpost of the 72nd Battalion of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) to Dhoban and onward from New Patal to Yuksam, is crucial for routine patrolling, tourism movement, and daily village access.

The instability of the terrain has raised serious safety concerns. Authorities have advised the general public to avoid using this path until further notice. The district administration has been alerted, and a coordinated relief and response plan is currently being implemented.

Advertisement

Compounding the situation, a wooden bridge connecting the Dhoban border post to Samvay Nayapatal under the Nambu-Sindrabung GPU was completely washed away around 9 p.m. due to a sudden surge in the Sakim Dhoban Khola river. The collapse of the bridge has halted all foot traffic along that stretch, cutting off vital communication and movement for nearby communities.

The SSB’s 72nd Battalion and the 2nd Battalion at Yuksum have issued an urgent advisory, warning villagers and trekkers to avoid traveling through the affected routes. Patrol teams are now using alternate pathways, and the battalion headquarters is monitoring the situation closely.

Residents in need of assistance or emergency help are urged to contact the nearest 72nd Battalion SSB post or local administrative offices. Reconstruction efforts for the damaged bridge are expected to begin soon, following requests made to the DDMA and local authorities.