Indian Army Launches Operation Him Setu To Rescue Stranded Tourists In North Sikkim
Indian Army launches Operation Him Setu to evacuate over 1,000 tourists stranded in North Sikkim due to landslides.
The Indian Army has launched Operation Him Setu to evacuate over 1,000 tourists stranded in North Sikkim after a road section and a newly built bridge near Tarum Chu collapsed due to heavy storms and snowfall. The rescue operation, which began on Wednesday, is being carried out under challenging high-altitude conditions near the India-China border.
By Thursday, the Trishakti Corps had successfully evacuated 135 tourists from the Lachen area, prioritizing those with medical emergencies, including an 80-year-old ailing person. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that the Army continues to spearhead the evacuation despite extreme weather.
The bridge, inaugurated in February 2026, reportedly gave way within a month, severing the main connection between Lachen and Chungthang. The collapse left both tourists and local residents stranded in harsh conditions, highlighting the vulnerability of infrastructure in high-altitude regions prone to storms and snowfall.
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To facilitate safe passage, the Army installed a walkable bridge at the damaged site. Evacuated individuals are being transported onward to Gangtok, the state capital, while rescue teams work continuously to ensure all stranded tourists are brought to safety.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is assisting with snow removal and road restoration, and the civil administration is coordinating logistics, medical support, and communication with affected areas. Road connectivity for heavy vehicles remains blocked, and parts of Lachen are still cut off from regular communication.
Officials emphasized that the Army will continue the operation until all stranded tourists are safely evacuated. Local authorities have warned that the region is likely to face continued severe weather over the coming weeks, further complicating rescue and restoration efforts.
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