Sikkim River Blockage Cleared After Landslide

Gangtok: Crews cleared debris from the Teesta and Chyakoong rivers in Sikkim on September 7. A massive landslide previously blocked the water flow, spiking concerns about a potential flash flood. The slide hit overnight between September 5 and 6, caused by road-cutting work on the Naga-Tosa Road. It dumped rubble into the confluence of the two rivers near the 578-metre Theng Tunnel on the Chungthang-Mangan highway.

The Mangan district administration inspected the site after the slide. They confirmed that water now flows at a normal rate. This significantly lowered the risk of a sudden surge downstream. Officials said, "The overall condition along the affected river stretch remains stable."

Chungthang Police and the District Disaster Management Authority remain on the scene. They are watching river levels and slope stability 24 hours a day. Despite the progress, the administration warns residents along the Teesta river belt to stay alert. People should avoid riverbanks. Officials also advised locals to move to higher ground until all cleanup work concludes.