GANGTOK, : BRO Project Swastik is keeping vital high-altitude border routes
in East Sikkim open by consistently clearing the heavy snow from the roads.
Over
the past week, the higher reaches of East Sikkim have been blanketed by heavy
snow, disrupting access to critical locations such as the renowned Nathu La
Pass (14,140 ft), the revered Baba HarbhajanMandir, and the serpentine Dzuluk
bends – a lifeline for both civilians and the armed forces.
Yet,
standing undeterred in the face of adversity, the BRO has risen to the occasion
with unwavering commitment.
With
temperatures plunging to a bone-chilling -20°C and roads buried under thick
layers of snow, BRO personnel have been working round-the-clock to restore and
maintain connectivity. Armed with specialized snow clearance equipment and
sheer determination, these brave workers are battling the extreme conditions to
ensure that the movement of essential supplies, emergency services, and security
forces remains uninterrupted, a press release informs.
The
Nathu La border, a crucial route for both defence operations and trade, remains
a key focus of their efforts. Similarly, the sacred Baba Mandir, a pilgrimage site
that draws hundreds of visitors, has been rendered accessible thanks to their
tireless work. The Dzuluk bends, infamous for their sharp curves and steep
gradients, pose an additional challenge, but BRO’s expertise in handling
treacherous terrain has proven invaluable, the release mentions.