Gangtok, Sep 7 (PTI) The natural channel of two North Sikkim rivers, blocked due to a landslide, was cleared by the authorities, allowing the water to discharge at a normal speed, averting the threat of a flash
flood in Mangan district, officials said on Monday.
The water flow of the Teesta and Chyakoong rivers was restricted by debris after the hillside collapsed during a new road cutting on the Naga-Tosa Road, they said.
The affected region is in a forest area opposite the Theng Tunnel, a 578-metre-long road tunnel on the Chungthang-Mangan highway.
“The threat of sudden water release or flash surges downstream has significantly reduced now,” officials said, adding the overall condition along the river stretch remains stable and normal.
Personnel from Chungthang Police and the District Disaster Management Authority remained deployed at the site to maintain 24/7 surveillance of the river levels and slope stability, officials said.
Following the landslide which occurred during the intervening night of September 5-6 near the confluence of the Teesta and Chyakoong rivers, the Mangan district administration conducted an on-site assessment to evaluate the ground situation.
Meanwhile, the district administration has issued a public advisory saying that while the immediate danger of flash floods has notably decreased, public safety remains the administration’s highest priority.
“Residents living along the downstream Teesta river belt are advised to remain vigilant, avoid venturing near riverbanks, and voluntarily move to safer, higher locations as a precautionary measure until full clearance operations are completed,” it said.
The administration is monitoring the situation, and further updates will be shared with the people, the advisory added. PTI KDK NN
