On Tuesday morning, a significant landslide struck East Sikkim, causing extensive damage to the Teesta Stage V hydroelectric project. The landslide occurred near Dipu Dara, Singtam in Gangtok district around 7:30 a.m., and has affected both the project’s powerhouse and its GIS building.
Damage Assessment
- Hydroelectric Project Impact: The Teesta Stage V hydroelectric project, managed by National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), sustained major damage. Both the powerhouse and GIS building were severely affected.
- Residential Damage: Approximately 17-18 houses were damaged by the landslide. Six of these houses have been evacuated, and the displaced families have been relocated to the NHPC Guest House in Balutar, which has been repurposed as a relief camp.
- Infrastructure Impact: The Singtam-Dikchu road, which was also hit by the landslide, is currently inaccessible. A temporary diversion route through Dochum has been established.
Response and Recovery Efforts
- Technical Assessment: A technical team from Delhi is scheduled to visit the site to evaluate the damage and recommend restoration measures.
- Road Restoration: Gangtok’s district collector, Tushar Nikhare, has requested the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to begin immediate restoration work on the affected road. The BRO has committed to making the road operational as soon as possible.
- Investigation: The Department of Mines and Geology will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the landslide and provide recommendations for short-term and long-term restoration efforts.
Previous Incidents
- June Landslides: Earlier in June, heavy rains caused landslides in North Sikkim, leaving tourists stranded and resulting in nine fatalities across North and South Sikkim. Several houses were damaged, and infrastructure including power and communication lines, roads, and bridges was disrupted.
- 2023 Flash Floods: In 2023, flash floods triggered by a glacial lake outburst in Sikkim necessitated the airlifting of several thousand tourists to safety.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What time did the landslide occur on Tuesday?
- A) 6:00 AM
- B) 7:30 AM
- C) 8:00 AM
- D) 9:00 AM
- Which building of the Teesta Stage V hydroelectric project sustained severe damage?
- A) Control Room
- B) GIS Building
- C) Turbine Hall
- D) Administrative Office
- How many houses were damaged by the landslide?
- A) 10-12
- B) 12-15
- C) 17-18
- D) 20-25
- Where have the affected families been relocated?
- A) A local school
- B) NHPC Guest House in Balutar
- C) A nearby hotel
- D) An evacuation center in Gangtok
- Which road was affected by the landslide, and what is the temporary diversion route?
- A) Singtam-Dikchu road, diverted through Dochum
- B) Gangtok-Singtam road, diverted through Tumin
- C) Singtam-Rangpo road, diverted through Sukhia Pokhari
- D) Gangtok-Dikchu road, diverted through Rongli