The Sikkim Government will soon submit to the Centre a
list of government infrastructure damaged in the Teesta flash flood that hit
the Northeastern State on October 4.
The State administration is in the process of readying
a memorandum for the permanent restoration as the restoration work is in full
swing across the Himalayan State.
Senior administrative officials in Sikkim are holding
department-wise meetings to finalise restoration proposals in each department.
The flash flood had led to extensive destruction in
the State, sweeping away buildings, bridges, houses and government
establishments such as police stations and health centres.
Chief secretary VB Pathak held a meeting with
officials of rural development and health and family welfare departments in
Gangtok.
Officials of the Rural Development department
presented a tentative report for the restoration and rebuilding of
infrastructure, including bridges, roads, water supply, rural footbridges,
footpaths and community assets.
The Health department underscored the need for
healthcare in Mangan district.
Road connections from Mangan to Chungthang, Lachen and
Lachung was cut during the flood.
In the State’s revised report of deaths and damage, it
was cited that 42 people died and 77 are still missing.
“In all, 88,400 persons were affected. Around 3,600
houses and 920 shops were damaged,” stated a source.
The swollen Teesta washed away 33 bridges in four
districts. Among these, 26 bridges were swept away in Mangan alone.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO), under the Union Defence
ministry, is working to restore road links.
“They are exploring alternative routes from Mangan to
Chungthang, via Sangkalang and the Naga-Toong route. The damage on the
Chungthang-Lachen route is huge,” the source added.
The BRO is also installing Bailey suspension bridges.
One such bridge will open at Sangkalang in two-three days to enable road
connectivity up to Pegong near Chungthang.
Agencies
