Newly appointed DGBR Srinivasan assesses flash flood-affected areas in North Sikkim

In the wake of the recent flash flood in North Sikkim, Lt. Gen. Raghu Srinivasan, the newly appointed Director General of Border Roads, assessed the current situation in Sikkim on October 7.

Lt. Gen. Srinivasan, who assumed office on September 30, succeeded Lt. Gen. Rajeev Chaudhry, bringing with him experience in border areas, with a particular focus on Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir.

The flash flood, triggered by a cloudburst in the early hours of Wednesday, claimed the lives of 27 individuals, including eight brave Army personnel. An official report indicates that 141 people are still missing, prompting ongoing search and rescue operations. The calamity affected over 25,000 people, leaving a trail of destruction that includes more than 1,200 damaged houses and 13 washed-away bridges in the Himalayan state as stated in a PTI report.

During his visit, Lt. Gen. Srinivasan engaged in discussions with the Chief Minister and Chief Secretary of Sikkim, focusing on the plan of action for the Border Roads Organization (BRO) in expediting the restoration of vital communication links to the isolated regions of Chungthang and Lachen.

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has declared an ex-gratia relief of Rs 4 lakh for the families of the deceased, along with an immediate relief of Rs 2,000 for each individual taking shelter in the 22 relief camps established across the state. The flash flood's toll on the state's infrastructure has been immense, with roads severed, bridges washed away, and communication severely hampered in North Sikkim.

Addressing the personnel of the BRO, Lt. Gen. Srinivasan, upon his appointment, had commended their commitment and professionalism, particularly in the face of challenging and inhospitable conditions. He also underscored the critical role they play in connecting remote areas, bolstering national security, and fostering socio-economic development in far-flung regions.