Evacuation begins for stranded tourists in North Sikkim after permit suspension

The evacuation process for over 1,000 stranded tourists in North Sikkim has begun, following days of heavy rainfall and landslides that left key routes blocked and travel unsafe. The operation is being coordinated by local authorities and security personnel to ensure the safe return of tourists trapped in the Lachung area.

Earlier on April 24, the Permit Cell of Sikkim Police had announced the suspension of all tourist permits to North Sikkim with immediate effect. This move came as a precaution after continuous downpours triggered massive landslides at Munshithang on the Lachen-Chungthang route and at Lema/Bob on the Lachung-Chungthang road. These critical landslide zones cut off access to several areas popular with tourists.

“In view of the present situation, no permits will be issued for tourists planning to travel to North Sikkim,” read the official statement from the Permit Cell. All previously issued permits for April 25 were also declared cancelled.

Tour operators were instructed not to send any tourists towards North Sikkim, and travelers were advised to avoid night travel even on open routes due to the high risk of further landslides. Local police and administrative bodies have since been working round the clock to ensure the safety of both stranded tourists and residents.

As evacuation gets underway, coordination is being maintained with the Army, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), and disaster response teams.