The vital route that links Sikkim to the rest of India is the NH10, often known as the "lifeline of Sikkim." This route, which connects Siliguri, West Bengal, with Sikkim, is vital for the movement of people and products as well as for access to basic amenities. The people of Sikkim and the surrounding areas suffer greatly as a result of the serious state of disrepair of this vital road, especially the one that runs from Rangpo in Sikkim to Sevoke in West Bengal.

The Teesta River and Hydroelectric Projects' Effects

The Teesta River runs alongside to NH10 for a significant portion of its length, which is one of the main reasons for the highway's declining state. Even while the river is a lifeline in and of itself, it has contributed to the embankments of the highway eroding, especially in the Sevoke to Rangpo section. The building of dams by the National Hydroelectric electricity Corporation (NHPC) for the purpose of producing hydroelectric electricity has made this degradation worse.

In a hilly area such as Sikkim, where alternative means of energy production are not as practical, hydroelectric power generating is vital. The Teesta River's dams are essential for producing power, regulating floods, and managing water resources.

The Teesta River runs alongside to NH10 for a significant portion of its length, which is one of the main reasons for the highway's declining state. Even while the river is a lifeline in and of itself, it has contributed to the embankments of the highway eroding, especially in the Sevoke to Rangpo section. The building of dams by the National Hydroelectric electricity Corporation (NHPC) for the purpose of producing hydroelectric electricity has made this degradation worse.

By connecting Sikkim to the national grid and lessening the state's reliance on fossil fuels, these dams have helped to establish Sikkim as a leader in renewable energy.

The Teesta's natural flow has been changed by the dams, though, and this has increased the river's erosive force. Because the water is redirected and released in controlled ways, the natural silt and debris that would normally support the riverbanks are not left behind along the side of the highway. As a result, large stretches of NH10 have gradually been undermined and collapsed into rivers.

The Project of Railways and Its Repercussions

The continuing railway project, which seeks to connect Sevoke to Rangpo, exacerbates the issues brought forth by the Teesta River. As Sikkim is primarily dependent on road transportation, this project is a part of a larger effort to provide connectivity to the region. Potentially relieving the burden on NH10, the railway will offer a much-needed alternative for the movement of people and goods.

But there have been difficulties during the railway's construction. Along NH10, landslides are common as a result of the rocks being blasted out to make space for the railway. Day-long, sometimes even week-long road disruptions have resulted from the additional instability these landslides have created to the route.

A reliable, economical, and ecological source of transportation, railroads are the foundation of today's infrastructure. In a hilly area such as Sikkim, where landslides, torrential rains, and snowfall frequently cause disruptions to road transit, the railway can offer a dependable substitute. But building such a railway will have an environmental impact that needs to be carefully considered, especially in vulnerable locations where the land is already unstable.

Healthcare and Economic Repercussions

Beyond only putting people in immediate risk, the degradation of NH10 has far-reaching implications. Transportation of commodities, especially necessities like food and medication, is facilitated by the highway. The economy of the state has been seriously impacted by the frequent closures and obstructions on NH10. Economic development is slowing down as a result of delays, higher expenses, and uncertainty faced by businesses.

The consequences for healthcare are considerably more serious. Due to the lack of adequate healthcare facilities in Sikkim, many patients with serious illnesses must be referred to hospitals outside of the state, mainly in Siliguri and other nearby cities. It takes four to five hours to get to Sevoke via Rangpo and Chitrey, which is important for prompt medical attention.

Patients are compelled to use the alternate route via Gorubathan, which can take an extra eight to ten hours, a wait that could mean the difference between life and death because the road is frequently closed.

NH10 closures have increased concerningly in frequency:

• From the morning of May 6 to the morning of May 9, 2024, the route was closed.

• NH10 was closed for a minimum of one week starting on July 8, 2024.

• The road was closed for nineteen days starting on July 18, 2024.

• Owing to comparable problems, the route was blocked for thirty-four days earlier this year

• From May 24 to June 1, the road was closed on March 27, 2024.

• Most recently, on September 3, 2024, NH10 was once more closed in several locations due to flooding and landslides brought on by clogged drainage.

There is now a sense of unease and uncertainty among those whose lives depend on this roadway as a result of these closures. An estimated ?10 crore is lost every day that Sikkim remains closed, which is a substantial amount of money for a state with a small economy.

GREF or BRO Intervention: A Justification

Given the importance of NH10 and the difficulties it encounters, there is a compelling argument to shift management of the Sevoke to Rangpo stretch from West Bengal's Public Works Department (PWD) to the Border Roads Organization (BRO) or the General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF).

Both BRO and GREF have a long record of successfully operating and maintaining roads in challenging environments, including the Himalayan region.

These institutions possess the necessary knowledge and assets to tackle the distinct difficulties brought about by the region's topography, such as landslides, erosion, and stable roads. With them involved, the effects of the Teesta River and the ongoing railway project would be managed and the appropriate steps would be taken to stabilize the road and strengthen its foundation.

 Conclusion 

Sikkim depends on the NH10 more than any other route. It is its lifeblood. There is serious concern about the condition of this important road right now, especially the section between Sevoke and Rangpo. The prosperity of the region depends on the hydroelectric power projects and the new railway line, The Sikkim It is urgently concerning to consider the existing condition of this important road, especially the section between Sevoke and Rangpo. The development of the area depends on the hydroelectric power projects and the new railway line, but their effects on NH10 must be carefully and strategically considered. Preserving this vital connection may require assigning GREF or BRO authority for this portion of the route.

There have already been major disruptions to the economy and healthcare system as a result of the regular NH10 closures. Sikkim's citizens are entitled to a highway that is safe, dependable, and well-maintained enough to facilitate the expansion and development of the area. The government needs to take immediate action to guarantee that NH10 continues to be the vital route that Sikkim so desperately needs.

(View are personal. Email: krishakdasblic@gmail.com)