Gangtok (Sikkim) [India], September 11 (ANI): Lachen in Sikkim has reopened for tourist movement following the recent reopening of the Lachen axis at Taram Chu, with the Mangan district administration introducing specific timings for vehicular movement along the Lachen-Lachung route to ensure safe travel.
As per a traffic regulation order issued on September 10, tourist and other light vehicles travelling from Gangtok and Mangan towards Lachen and Lachung will have to cross the Toong Check Post by 4 pm. Vehicles travelling downhill from Lachen and Lachung towards Mangan and Gangtok will also be required to cross the check post by the same deadline.
The timing has been introduced in view of the prevailing road and weather conditions in the region, along with terrain-related constraints. Authorities have also cited the need to avoid night travel and ensure that vehicles reach their destinations before nightfall.
With the Lachen route now open to tourists, the traffic restrictions are intended to regulate movement and minimise risks for travellers using the mountain roads.
The reopening of the Lachen axis comes after the route at Taram Chu was reopened on August 29, allowing tourist movement towards Lachen to resume. However, the administration has retained specific traffic controls as a safety measure given the conditions along the route.
Meanwhile, the movement of heavy vehicles and trucks will continue through the Sanklang-Saffo-Shipgyer route, in accordance with the earlier traffic regulation order.
The latest traffic regulation has come into effect immediately and will remain in force until further orders.
Earlier, on September 6, a landslide occured in Mangan, temporarily blocking the Teesta and Chyakoong Rivers.
The District Administration of Mangan received information from the District Police and Chungthang Sub-Division Police regarding a landslide that occurred above the Chyakoong River, opposite OC Bhir, during the intervening night of September 5 and 6.
According to a release, a substantial portion of the hillside along the new road cutting of the Naga-Tosa Road in the Naga Forest area, opposite the Theng Tunnel, reportedly collapsed near the confluence of the Teesta and Chyakoong Rivers. The landslide resulted in the partial blockage of the flow of both rivers, with the flow of the Teesta River being temporarily obstructed. (ANI)