MP Indra Hang Subba seeks urgent action from Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on flood-hit NH 10

Sikkim Lok Sabha MP Dr. Indra Hang Subba on Friday submitted a formal representation to Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, urging immediate intervention to address the worsening condition of National Highway 10 (NH 10)—the only road link connecting Sikkim with the rest of the country.

The MP’s request, made during a meeting in New Delhi comes amid growing public concern over the vulnerable Teesta River stretch, especially between Melli and Teesta Bazaar under Kalimpong district in West Bengal. Frequent landslides and flooding, triggered by heavy rains and the geomorphological changes in the Teesta River following the devastating flash floods of October 2023, have made this key highway dangerous and unreliable for commuters and supply vehicles alike.

"The riverbed has risen significantly," stated Dr. Subba in his letter to the Union Minister, citing a report by a panel appointed by the Ministry of Jal Shakti. He noted that the Melli stretch is the worst affected, where the riverbed has risen by nearly 14 metres due to silt, debris, and boulders deposited during last year’s floods. These changes have reduced the river’s capacity and increased the risk of flooding, erosion, and road submersion, particularly during monsoons.

The MP pointed out that such recurring floods not only put lives at risk but also disrupt emergency services, halt movement of essential supplies, and damage the region’s fragile economy, including the vital tourism sector. NH 10, which is currently maintained by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) since October 2024, is the only lifeline for Sikkim.

In his submission, Dr. Indra Hang Subba put forward several important demands to address the ongoing crisis along NH 10. He called for an immediate technical assessment and stabilization work along the flood-prone stretches of the highway to ensure safety for commuters and local residents. He also stressed the need for urgent flood mitigation measures such as river training, strengthening of embankments, and improvement of drainage systems to prevent further damage. Additionally, Dr. Subba emphasized the importance of developing a long-term strategy for managing the heavy silt and debris accumulation in the Teesta River basin, which has significantly contributed to the rising flood risk in the region.

Recognizing the severity of the problem, the Jal Shakti Ministry’s expert panel had earlier advised against widespread dredging, instead recommending that the river be allowed to stabilize its natural flow regime over time. However, Dr. Subba emphasized the need for swift action to reduce the immediate threat to commuters and residents.

To ensure long-term safety and uninterrupted access, Dr. Subba strongly advocated for the construction of a Greenfield highway on the opposite bank of the Teesta River, between Sevoke and Melli. This new route would act as a strategic alternative to NH 10, designed with flood-resilient features and modern safety infrastructure.

“This new alignment would provide strategic redundancy, improve regional connectivity, and ensure uninterrupted access to Sikkim in the face of recurring natural disasters,” Dr. Subba stated. He further suggested that, until the Greenfield highway becomes operational, the Ministry should instruct NHIDCL to build temporary elevated corridors along the most vulnerable portions of the current NH 10 stretch to minimize flood impact.

The Union Minister reportedly gave a positive response, directing concerned officials and engineers from the Ministry to take appropriate action based on the issues raised. The Minister also assured that the matter would be looked into with urgency given the critical importance of NH 10 to Sikkim’s connectivity and development.