1. Recent heavy snowfall in Sikkim, triggered by a Western Himalayan disturbance, has severely affected communication lines in the Northern and Eastern regions.
2. Strategic routes like the Lachung and Lachen axis, along with the national highway to Nathu La and Tamze, have been significantly impacted.
3. The disruption has caused difficulties for road users and interrupted socio-economic activities in the affected areas.
Gangtok, Feb 22: Heavy snowfall in Sikkim has disrupted normal life and caused extensive damage to communication lines, particularly in the Northern and Eastern regions of the state.
The recent Western Himalayan disturbance brought drastic weather changes, resulting in heavy snowfall along strategic routes like the Lachung and Lachen axis, including the national highway to Nathu La and Tamze.
These disruptions have severely impacted socio-economic activities and posed challenges for road users.
Complicating matters further, recent flash floods in Sikkim caused additional damage to communication lines, particularly those leading to North Sikkim and the Lachen valley.
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Despite the challenges, the Border Roads Organization (BRO) has been actively engaged in restoring connectivity for the armed forces deployed along the Lachen Valley.
The organization successfully reopened the Donkyala Pass, located at an elevation of 18,200 feet, after heavy snowfall had initially cut off the connection.
The 758 Border Roads Task Force (BRTF) under Project Swastik has played a crucial role in mobilizing heavy machinery and manpower to keep the strategic roads leading to border areas open. Despite facing freezing temperatures, insufficient oxygen, high winds, and blizzards, the BRTF team has demonstrated unwavering commitment and dedication to maintaining vital communication lines.
Through the collective efforts of personnel and machinery, the BRTF team has ensured the smooth movement of vehicles in North and East Sikkim, despite the challenging weather conditions.
The resilience and determination displayed by the team during this period of heavy snowfall highlight the synergy between human effort and technological support in overcoming adversities and maintaining essential services in the region.
