Heavy Landslides in North Sikkim Leave Over 1,000 Tourists Stranded; Permits Suspended

 Gangtok:In the wake of relentless rainfall and severe landslides, tourist access to North Sikkim has been temporarily suspended, leaving over 1,000 visitors stranded. On Thursday, the Sikkim Police Permit Cell officially announced that all travel permits for North Sikkim stand cancelled from April 25 until further notice.Landslides triggered by the heavy downpour have blocked crucial roadways leading to the region, including the Lachen-Chungthang and Lachung-Chungthang routes. The affected zones, particularly Munshithang and Lema/Bob, have been deemed unsafe due to massive debris and unstable terrain. Though the road up to Chungthang remains functional, authorities have urged the public to avoid night travel, warning of further landslide risks.In an official advisory, the Permit Cell confirmed that no new permits would be issued for travel to North Sikkim, and previously approved permits for April 25 have been revoked in light of safety concerns.Tour operators have been instructed to suspend all excursions to the area. Meanwhile, local police, in coordination with administrative bodies, are working to assist the stranded tourists and restrict entry to vulnerable zones. “We request all travellers to adhere to the guidelines and cooperate with the authorities,” stated a police official stationed in the region.This travel disruption hits during a peak tourist season for North Sikkim, known for its scenic locations like Lachen, Lachung, and Gurudongmar Lake. However, the mountainous terrain of the region is highly susceptible to landslides during heavy rain, posing significant risks to travel.The Sikkim Tourism Department has advised tourists to reschedule their trips or explore alternative destinations within the state. Travellers have also been cautioned to rely only on official government sources for updates, avoiding misinformation from unofficial channels.Local hotels, guides, and businesses have been notified of the permit suspension to facilitate cancellations and help tourists make informed decisions. Authorities continue to monitor the evolving situation and will release further advisories based on weather and road condition assessments.