Press Release
Press Release from District Administrative Centre, Gangtok
Information & Public Relations Department
Gangtok, May 4, 2026
A joint inspection was carried out on May 4, 2026, at 10:30 AM at Silting Dara along the Luing–Ranka Road, following a complaint received from a resident of Luing Perbing regarding damage to the National Highway.
The inspection was led by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Gangtok, Shri Mahendra Chettri, and attended by the Hon’ble Area MLA, Smt. Kala Rai. Also present were Shri Sonam Wongyal Lepcha (JD/DDMA/GTK), Smt. Karma Diki Bhutia (AE, NH Wing, R&B), concerned Revenue staff, officials from Ranka BAC, Panchayat representatives, local landowners, and the Project Manager of SM Infra Ltd, along with his team.
During the inspection, it was observed that nearly half of the road stretch had been washed away due to land erosion. It was reported that the retaining wall had been constructed on loose and dumped soil, which failed to withstand the load, resulting in its collapse. Cracks were also observed along certain sections of the road. Additionally, debris had been used in a manner that obstructed the natural flow of surface runoff towards already affected areas.
The inspection team directed the Project Manager of SM Infra Ltd to immediately cover the affected slide area with tarpaulins to prevent further erosion and to initiate urgent restoration work on the damaged stretch.
Further, with the assistance of the concerned Revenue staff, the remaining right-of-way (ROW) on the upper side of the road was measured for future reference.
The administration has taken serious note of the situation, and necessary steps are being undertaken to ensure timely restoration and to prevent further damage.
A joint inspection was carried out on May 4, 2026, at 10:30 AM at Silting Dara along the Luing–Ranka Road, following a complaint received from a resident of Luing Perbing regarding damage to the National Highway.
The inspection was led by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Gangtok, Shri Mahendra Chettri, and attended by the Hon’ble Area MLA, Smt. Kala Rai. Also present were Shri Sonam Wongyal Lepcha (JD/DDMA/GTK), Smt. Karma Diki Bhutia (AE, NH Wing, R&B), concerned Revenue staff, officials from Ranka BAC, Panchayat representatives, local landowners, and the Project Manager of SM Infra Ltd, along with his team.
During the inspection, it was observed that nearly half of the road stretch had been washed away due to land erosion. It was reported that the retaining wall had been constructed on loose and dumped soil, which failed to withstand the load, resulting in its collapse. Cracks were also observed along certain sections of the road. Additionally, debris had been used in a manner that obstructed the natural flow of surface runoff towards already affected areas.
The inspection team directed the Project Manager of SM Infra Ltd to immediately cover the affected slide area with tarpaulins to prevent further erosion and to initiate urgent restoration work on the damaged stretch.
Further, with the assistance of the concerned Revenue staff, the remaining right-of-way (ROW) on the upper side of the road was measured for future reference.
The administration has taken serious note of the situation, and necessary steps are being undertaken to ensure timely restoration and to prevent further damage.
