Sikkim flood: Indian Army, BRO continue efforts to reconnect North Sikkim

Digital Desk: Following the Himalayan state's severe floods earlier this month, the Indian Army's Trishakti Corps, working with the Border Roads Organization (BRO), people, and civil administration, have been conducting extensive operations to reconnect North Sikkim.

Troops from the Trishakti Corps are attempting to open the alternate route Mangan-Sanklang-Theng-Chungthang while the BRO is trying to reconnect the main Mangan-Tung-Chungthang road.

At Mangan-Sanklang Crossing, the route necessitates building two Bailey bridges across the Teesta River. After working nonstop, the first bridge was finished on Sunday at 11:00 a.m.

Ever since the tragedy that befell the state, parts of North Sikkim that are ahead of Mangan have remained isolated. In response, footbridges and zip lines were built at the Sanklang-Mangan Crossing at Chungthang and Sanklang. These have made it possible for individuals to travel on foot and for relief supplies to be delivered via the set zip lines.

A new road alignment via Naga Village is being established earlier to the damaged bridge site at Toong being approached and a new bridge is being built, due to extensive damage to the main road Mangan-Tung-Chungthang.

At Mangan-Sanklang Crossing, 200 meters upstream from where a bamboo bridge and zip line were previously built, the Trishakti Corps began construction on a Bailey Bridge as an immediate relief to restore communication up to Chungthang via the alternate route Mangan-Sanklang-Theng-Chungthang. The river is now 600 feet wide, with water flowing through two channels and a 160-foot island between them.

Thus, the choice was made to build two distinct bridges. Today, the 150-foot first bridge was completed by Trishakti Corps personnel working on a combat footing. It is anticipated that the second bridge will be finished by October 27.