Massive Landslide Damages Hydroelectric Project in East Sikkim

A massive landslide in East Sikkim caused significant damage to the 510-MW Teesta Stage V hydroelectric project. The incident led to the evacuation of several houses and blocked the Singtam-Dikchu Road. A technical team will assess the damage, and restoration work is underway.

A massive landslide struck East Sikkim on Tuesday, inflicting considerable damage to the 510-MW Teesta Stage V hydroelectric project on the Teesta River, according to officials.

The landslide occurred at Dipu Dara near Singtam in Gangtok district around 7:30 am, causing significant harm to the powerhouse of the Teesta Stage V hydroelectric project and severe damage to its GIS building.

A technical team from Delhi is set to visit the site to evaluate the situation and recommend restoration measures. Around 17-18 houses were damaged, with six evacuated. The affected families were relocated to the NHPC Guest House in Balutar, designated as a relief camp.

The landslide also rendered the Singtam-Dikchu Road inaccessible. Gangtok's District Collector Tushar Nikhare has urged the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to promptly begin restoration work on the road. Officials also requested the Department of Mines and Geology to conduct a comprehensive investigation of the landslide.

(With inputs from agencies.)