North Sikkim is reeling from a triple disaster: first, a glacial flood in 2023, followed by back-to-back landslides in 2024 and 2025 that have left roads shattered, villages buried, and thousands stranded. Now, the state’s BJP unit has sent an urgent plea to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding immediate central aid before the next monsoon strikes.
North Sikkim in Ruins as Disasters Strike Three Years in a Row
The crisis began in October 2023, when a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) from South Lhonak Lake smashed through the Teesta-III Dam, killing 40 people and causing ₹1.69 lakh crore in damage. Just as recovery began, 2024’s monsoon triggered landslides, wiping out bridges and highways. Then, in June 2025, another round of landslides buried army camps, killed soldiers, and trapped over 2,000 tourists in remote valleys.
Army Camp Buried, Soldiers Missing as Landslides Continue
On June 1, 2025, a massive landslide slammed into an Indian Army camp in Chaten, North Sikkim, killing three soldiers on the spot and leaving six missing. After eight days of search operations, one body, Army jawan Sainudheen P.K., was recovered, while five remain buried under debris.
Rescue teams face impossible conditions:
- Unstable terrain – Fresh landslides keep blocking access.
- Broken roads – NH-10, the lifeline to Sikkim, has been shut for 34 days.
- No communication – Phone and internet lines are down in most areas.
Despite the risks, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have airlifted over 2,000 stranded tourists from Lachung, Lachen, and Chungthang. Many were evacuated in daring helicopter missions, as the roads were too dangerous.
“Ghost Towns” Replace Tourist Hotspots
Before the disasters, North Sikkim was a tourist paradise, drawing hikers and adventure seekers to its Himalayan trails. Now, villages like Toong and Rel are sinking into the mud, and hotels stand empty.
- 1,000+ tourists were trapped in Lachung for a week before rescue.
- Taxi drivers left with no income, begged for evacuation via helicopter.
- The Teesta River, once a scenic attraction, is now a deadly force, eroding riverbanks and threatening more homes.
Local shop owner Pema Dorjee, who lost his business to the floods, told reporters: “First the GLOF took our homes. Now landslides took our jobs. What’s next?”
BJP’s 5-Point SOS to Modi: “Declare National Disaster Now”
Frustrated by the slow response, Sikkim BJP president D.R. Thapa personally delivered a petition to PM Modi demanding:
- National Disaster tag – To unlock central funds for rebuilding.
- Permanent housing – For 300+ families whose homes were destroyed.
- Slope stabilization – To stop future landslides in the Mangan district.
- Business loans – To revive the dead tourism economy.
- Faster infrastructure – Complete the Sevoke-Rangpo Railway and repair NH-10.
The BJP also wants a joint task force (comprising state and central officials) to oversee relief work, fearing that corruption may delay the process.
Will the Centre Respond?
So far, the Modi government has sent:
- 1,300 kg of relief supplies (food, medicine) via IAF choppers.
- NDRF teams to dig out survivors.
- Promises of long-term aid have been made, but no significant funding has been secured yet.
With monsoon season just starting, experts warn: “If help doesn’t come fast, North Sikkim could face a fourth disaster in 2026.”
