Tourist activity in North Sikkim has stabilised after the reopening of the Toong–Naga Road, according to Nim Tshering Lepcha, Chairman of the Sikkim Welfare Commission. He said that travel towards Lachung is proceeding without disruption, with around 400 tourist vehicles entering the area each day, as road conditions have improved considerably to allow safe passage.

In the meantime, the Border Roads Organisation is building a bridge over the Taram Chu River on the Lachen route. The bridge is likely to be completed by the first week of February, after which tourism to Lachen is expected to resume. On rehabilitation measures, Lepcha stated that 125 families affected in the Rel, Naga, and Toong wards will be relocated to Upper Bojoghari in Gangtok. Land ownership documents will be issued on 8 February, paving the way for the construction of permanent homes.

The Toong–Naga region suffered extensive damage during the October 2023 Glacial Lake Outburst Flood, which caused severe flooding along the Teesta basin. Roads, bridges, and settlements across North Sikkim were badly impacted, and subsequent landslides further damaged the Toong–Naga road, cutting off access and forcing many families to relocate.

After months of repair and restoration efforts by state and central agencies, the reopening of the Toong–Naga Road represents a significant move towards restoring normal life, reviving tourism, and rehabilitating affected communities in North Sikkim. The Sikkim government has been focusing on the safe and dignified resettlement of families impacted by the GLOF.

Following the 2023 disaster, the Indian Army under Trishakti Corps acted promptly to assist civil authorities by carrying out evacuations, providing medical support, clearing debris, and restoring vital road links. Engineering units also set up temporary connectivity to ensure the continued flow of essential supplies and services to remote and isolated areas.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.