In a catastrophic event, a massive landslide in East Sikkim has obliterated the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation’s (NHPC) Teesta Stage 5 power station, leaving the region in turmoil. The landslide, which occurred early Tuesday morning in Balutar near Dipu Dara Singtam, followed weeks of warnings and minor slides that had already marked the area as a potential danger zone.
Early Warnings Avert Casualties
Authorities had been on high alert, with frequent minor landslides prompting the evacuation of the 510 MW power station just days before the major slide occurred. Thanks to these precautionary measures, no casualties have been reported, though the station itself has been reduced to rubble. Dramatic footage of the event, captured by nearby workers, has circulated widely on social media, showing the hillside collapsing onto the power station in mere seconds.
Sikkim’s Hydroelectric Challenges Worsen
This disaster comes as another blow to Sikkim’s already strained infrastructure. The Teesta Stage 5 dam had been out of commission since October of last year, following a flash flood triggered by the burst of the Lhonak glacial lake. The previous disaster had partially destroyed the Teesta Dam at Chungthang, Sikkim’s largest hydroelectric project, and the recent landslide has only compounded the challenges facing the region.
Critical Infrastructure at Risk
Adding to the region’s woes, the landslide has also disrupted an alternative road connecting Singtam town to Mangan district, a vital route for the Indian Army. This road had become a crucial lifeline after the primary route via Gangtok was rendered impassable due to landslides last month, leaving many areas increasingly isolated.
More Rainfall Predicted: A Region on Edge
As Sikkim grapples with the aftermath, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted more heavy rainfall between August 20 and 23. The monsoon season has already brought incessant rains to much of Northeast India, including Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh.
A Wake-Up Call for Future Preparedness
The destruction of the Teesta Stage 5 power station serves as a stark reminder of the fragile balance between human infrastructure and the forces of nature. This incident underscores the urgent need to reevaluate strategies and ensure that safety and resource allocation are prioritized to mitigate future threats. As Sikkim braces for more challenges, the region’s resilience and preparedness are being tested like never before.
Also read: Mizoram Shuts Schools as Heavy Rains Trigger Landslides, Authorities on High Alert
