Urgent Action Sought for Flood-Prone NH-10 in Sikkim

Sikkim's sole Lok Sabha MP, Indra Hang Subba, sought immediate intervention from Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari regarding the critical state of National Highway 10. The highway, vital for connecting Sikkim with the rest of India, suffers from frequent landslides and flood-induced damage, notably near the Teesta River in West Bengal.

Subba emphasized that recent geomorphological changes have compounded the highway's vulnerabilities after an October 2023 flash flood raised the riverbed with silt and debris. Specific sections between Sevoke and Melli are now prone to repeated inundation, posing risks to both residents and travelers.

The MP urged for swift technical evaluations, stabilization efforts, and flood prevention strategies. He proposed a long-term solution involving a new greenfield highway on the Teesta's opposite bank and urged immediate protective measures to maintain connectivity. Gadkari responded by directing ministry officials to address these pressing concerns.