Pakyong, August 01 (IPR): A high-level joint inspection was conducted by the Vice Chairman of the Institute for Transforming Sikkim (ITS), Mr CP Sharma, along with Members of the ITS, in the presence of MLA cum Advisor for Information Technology (IT), Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department and Information and Public Relations Department, Mr LB Das, at the landslide-affected 20th Mile stretch along the Bardang–Rangpo road, today.
The inspection was conducted to assess the prevailing situation and review ongoing restoration work in the stretch.  
Also in attendance were Zilla Panchayat, Central Pendam, Mr Bebek Chettri; PCE cum Secretary, Roads and Bridges Department, Mr AB Subba; PD cum Secretary, Department of Science and Technology; Mr DG Shrestha; PCE, Water Resources Department; Mr Rajiv Subba; PR Director; Mines and Geology Department; Mr PT Bhutia; CF, Forest and Environment Department, Mr SK Thatal, Executive Director, NHIDCL, Mr Ashok Kumar Saha and Panchayat Members.
Members of ITS present during the inspection included Ms Namrata Thapa, Dr Sangay Dorjee Bhutia, Dr Bharat Chandra Basistha, Dr Neeraj Adhikari, Ms DR Gurung, Dr Shiva Kumar Sharma and Mr JS Lepcha.
During the inspection, officials from the concerned departments presented detailed technical findings and shared the outcome of various surveys conducted in the affected area. They also briefed on the immediate and long-term measures proposed to address the recurring landslide at the 20th Mile stretch.
It was informed that the high velocity of the water flow has been eroding the road formation from below, while continuous slope instability above the road has resulted in repeated landslides, posing a serious threat to the stability of the highway and nearby habitations.
The team was also apprised of geotechnical investigations and surveys being undertaken in the area to determine the extent of slope instability and formulate appropriate mitigation measures.
Detailed deliberations were held on both temporary and permanent solutions to restore road connectivity. Various proposals and engineering interventions were discussed with each department offering technical suggestions aimed at ensuring a sustainable resolution to the issue.
The officials from NHIDCL informed that round-the-clock road clearance operations are currently underway, with eleven excavators, three JCB machines, and two dozers deployed to remove debris and restore at least one-way traffic movement along the affected stretch.
Earlier, the inspection team also visited the blocked road sections and the upper slope areas affected by the landslide to assess the ground situation.
Addressing the officials, MLA cum Advisor Mr LB Das stressed the need to expedite both immediate restoration and permanent stabilisation measures. He emphasised the strategic importance of maintaining uninterrupted connectivity along the National Highway, considering the sensitivity of the border state and urged all concerned agencies to accelerate restoration works.
Vice Chairman, Institute for Transforming Sikkim, Mr C P Sharma called for close coordination among all departments and agencies to ensure an effective and time-bound resolution. He further emphasised the need for a follow-up review meeting with updated technical inputs and directed the concerned departments to expedite all pending works for effective implementation.
It was also informed that the nearby villages comprising of 48 household identified within the Singlaybong village remains one of the vulnerable locations with landslide-prone zone above the road level, to which Member, Institute for Transforming Sikkim, Ms Namrata Thapa suggested to prepare a comprehensive disaster management plan for the area, while stressing on the importance of identifying vulnerable locations, strengthening capacity-building initiatives, ensuring preparedness for any emergency and planning for relocation measures should the situation in the area.
At the outset, the team inspected a landslide-affected area at Bhurung, Sapkota Gaon, Central Pendam, wherein the recent landslide has impacted the surrounding hillside, posing potential risks to nearby habitations.
During the inspection, MLA cum Advisor, Mr LB Das directed the officials of the concerned department to conduct a comprehensive technical assessment of the affected site and initiate appropriate measures at the earliest to safeguard the affected area and minimise future risks.
The inspection also had the presence of officers from the Roads and Bridges Department, National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), Water Resources Department, Central Water Commission (CWC), Department of Science and Technology, Mines and Geology Department, Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA), Forest and Environment Department and Rural Development Department.