Sikkim Flash Flood Tragedy: CM Prem Tamang Blames Previous Government

NORTH SIKKIM: Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang alleged that substandard construction work on the 1200 MW dam in Chungthang, Mangan district, by the previous government caused the maximum damage in the flash floods in the Teesta River. A committee will be formed to investigate the incident, and assistance from Central agencies will be sought to hold the culprits accountable, he said.

"The maximum damage took place after the Chungthang Dam broke. If the previous government had constructed the dam properly and if standard work had been done, the force of the water could have been controlled," Chief Minister Tamang said.

The flash floods occurred after the Lhonak glacier in the Sikkim Himalayas burst, leading to increased water levels in the Teesta River. The 1200 MW dam Teesta Stage III hydel power project in Chungthang village was commissioned in 2017.

The Sikkim Chief Minister has declared a relief package, allocating Rs 25 crore for Mangan District and Rs 15 crore each for the districts of Gangtok, Pakyong, and Namchi, in addition to aid from the state and central governments. Families of the deceased will receive an ex gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh, and those sheltering in relief camps will receive temporary relief of Rs 2000 each.

Tamang has also warned against stockpiling and overcharging of goods, stating that violators will face license revocation. The government aims to maintain reasonable prices for local residents by subsidizing the transportation of essential commodities.

As per the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) report released this morning of October 6 at midnight, the death toll was registered at 26. with 142 people still reported missing.It said 2413 people have been rescued, and 1203 houses have been damaged in the flash flood.

"A committee has also been formed to look into the scale of damage. After the committee assessment report, we will able to tell the actual loss" the Sikkim chief minister said.

Efforts are underway to restore road and network connectivity in the affected regions, including the construction of roads from Naga to Toong, subject to land availability.

The flash floods have washed away bridges, parts of NH-10, the Chungthang Dam, and impacted infrastructure projects in Sikkim. As a result, 18 relief camps have been set up in Singtam, Rangpo, Dikchu, and Adarsh Gaon, with additional camps in Chungthang established by the Indian Army and paramilitary forces due to connectivity challenges.

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