Sikkim: Troops of Indian Army along with BRO and assistance of civil administration and locals are undertaking operations at a massive scale to reconnect North Sikkim. While BRO is trying to reconnect the main route Mangan-Tung-Chungthang, Indian Army along with BRO and assistance of locals and civil administration is making efforts to open up the alternate route Mangan- Sanklang – Theng – Chungthang. This requires construction of two bailey bridges over Teesta River at Mangan-Sanklang Crossing. Working round the clock, the first bridge has been completed on 22th October at 11 AM.
Areas of North Sikkim ahead of Mangan has remained cut off since 4th October. As an immediate response, foot bridges and zip lines were constructed at Chungthang and Sanklang-Mangan Crossing. These have enabled movement of people on foot and provision of relief material through the zip lines established.
Due to large scale damage to the main road Mangan-Tung-Chungthang, fresh alignment of the road through Naga Village is being made before the damaged bridge site at Toong can be approached and a new bridge constructed. This will take time.
As an immediate relief to restore connectivity up to Chungthang via alternate route Mangan- Sanklang- Theng – Chungthang, troops of Trishakti Corps are undertaking construction of bailey bridge at Mangan-Sanklang Crossing, 200 metres upstream of where a bamboo bridge and Zip line was constructed earlier. However, the width of the river has increased to 600 feet and water running along two channels with a 160 feet island in between. Decision was therefore taken to construct two separate bridges. Working on a war footing, the Army finished construction of the 150 feet long first bridge on 22 October. The second bridge is likely to be completed by 27th October.
The Trishakti Sappers have reinforced our belief that there is no challenge insurmountable when we stand united in the face of adversity. Their exceptional skills, unparalleled dedication, and unwavering commitment to service has restored hope in the hearts of the affected communities that normalcy will be restored soon.