The
excessive rainfall in May and June this year has once again highlighted a
critical vulnerability in Sikkim's infrastructure and economy: food security.
The widespread destruction of agricultural fields, compounded by frequent
landslides disrupting NH10, underscores the urgent need for the state
government to prioritize this issue. These disruptions not only sever our
crucial connectivity with the rest of the country but also severely impede the
transportation of essential food commodities into the state. The resultant
hoarding and price spikes are recurrent nightmares for the people of Sikkim,
especially during the monsoon season.
Every
year, we witness the same devastating pattern: torrential rains lead to
landslides, which in turn cripple the state's main transportation artery, NH10.
This crucial highway is our lifeline for bringing in food and other essential
supplies. When it is cut off, as it so often is during the monsoon months, we
face immediate shortages. Traders and suppliers, anticipating these
disruptions, begin to hoard goods, driving up prices and making basic
necessities unaffordable for many families. The rural poor, already bearing the
brunt of agricultural losses, are hit hardest.
This
year’s excessive rainfall has only intensified these challenges. Fields that
should be lush with crops have instead been washed away or buried under
landslide debris. Farmers are left with nothing, their livelihoods destroyed
overnight. The government must recognize that the cyclical nature of these
disasters requires more than temporary relief measures. It necessitates a
comprehensive, strategic approach to food security.
What
we need is a robust, climate-resilient agricultural practices. Investment in
such practices would help protect our local food production from the impacts of
heavy rains and landslides. Initiatives could include the development of better
drainage systems, terracing to prevent soil erosion, and the introduction of
flood-resistant crop varieties. Additionally, training farmers in sustainable
agriculture techniques can build a more resilient agricultural sector.
Secondly,
enhancing infrastructure to ensure that NH10 remains operational during the
monsoon is imperative. This might involve better maintenance regimes, landslide
prevention measures, and the construction of alternative routes to ensure that
the state's connectivity is not solely reliant on one vulnerable highway.
Improved infrastructure will not only secure the supply chain of essential
goods but also support the broader economy by facilitating smoother trade and
travel.
Most
importantly, the state must establish and maintain strategic food reserves. By
stockpiling essential commodities during periods of stable supply, we can
cushion the impact of disruptions. This would help stabilize prices and ensure
that all citizens have access to affordable food, even when transportation
routes are compromised. There must be stringent regulations and vigilant
enforcement against hoarding and price gouging. The government needs to take
decisive action against those who exploit these disasters for profit.
Transparent monitoring systems and severe penalties for violators can help
deter such unethical practices and ensure a fair distribution of resources.
