Indira Bypass clean up drive by BRO

Gangtok, Sikkim: The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has taken up the task of clearing the debris at Amdo Golai, the starting point of Indira Bypass where a portion of the rocky hillside had come tumbling down yesterday afternoon.

On the same day, three persons were injured when a boulder fell on a moving vehicle in Sadam, near Namchi in South district, 60 km from here.

Today the entire bypass, 2km away, was cordoned off, as there are chances of the hill giving away further if there is a heavy spell of rainfall. Yesterday, a traffic policeman who was on duty at the intersection of the bypass and NH 31A, was injured when the rocks and debris came tumbling down. Had the otherwise busy route not been deserted yesterday, it would have led to a greater disaster.

The area has been covered with tarpaulins to shield it from showers. Drains have been also diverted so that water does not penetrate the affected area.

Closed blastings, using gelatine sticks, were carried out this morning to crack the big rocks and boulders that have blocked the route.

The BRO is responsible for the maintenance of the 7-km route that ends at Penengla, connecting NH 31A at Amdo Golai to the North Sikkim highway.

Six buildings located in the area above the landslide zone have already been declared unsafe. One of them is perched precariously on top of the landslip. The families have been relocated to safer locations. A pedestrian walk has also been closed.

Since there was no rain yesterday, the landslip could have been triggered by the excavation work being carried out at the base of the hill and the movement of heavy traffic.

Military trucks and other heavy vehicles that prefer the bypass since it does not enter the congested Gangtok town were diverted today. They are now using the NH 31A.

Those headed for destination along Indira Bypass, Sichey and Lower Burtuk had to use Ambedkar Road, which starts from near the Paljor Stadium and ends at the East district administrative complex at Sichey.

“We are trying to clear the bypass for smaller vehicles by tomorrow. The labourers of BRO are working round the clock,” said Naveen Chettri, the additional district collector (East).

Damage to roads and property was reported from South and West Sikkim, following heavy rainfall in the two districts. There were reports of livestock perishing too.

Source: The Telegraph