It is disheartening that North Sikkim, particularly the Dzongu region, continues to suffer from disrupted connectivity. Even after one and a half years since the devastating Teesta Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF), government agencies have failed to deliver a lasting solution. The Band-Aid-like restoration efforts have proven ineffective, with the emergency bailey bridges over the Teesta connecting Dzongu to Mangan collapsing for the third time. While North Sikkim is slowly regaining normalcy with limited road access and a trickle of tourists, the primary highway remains in a deplorable state, with major bridges in precarious conditions. This persistent neglect underscores the authorities' apathy, leaving locals to bear the brunt of governmental inaction.
The compromised connectivity not only isolates residents but also deals a severe blow to tourism, a key economic driver of Sikkim. Tourists frequently abandon plans to visit North Sikkim due to unreliable infrastructure, resulting in declining revenue for the state. Hotel owners, taxi drivers, and local businesses suffer the most, as their livelihoods depend on a steady influx of visitors. Adventure tourism is booming worldwide, yet Sikkim is losing potential tourists to destinations with better accessibility. This recurring cycle of lost opportunities necessitates a complete overhaul of the government's approach. Maintaining, repairing, and expanding the road network, particularly in tourism-dependent areas, should be prioritized as an investment in Sikkim’s economic sustainability.
Beyond tourism, reliable infrastructure is critical for overall development. Farmers and small businesses need functional roadways to transport goods efficiently. Poor road conditions increase costs, cause delays, and spoil perishable produce, further weakening the local economy. Upgraded roads would empower businesses, enhance trade, and provide better access to essential services like education and healthcare, thereby fostering long-term sustainable development.
The reopening of North Sikkim to tourists in December 2024, after a 13-month hiatus, witnessed an overwhelming influx of 4,554 tourists within a week. While this surge highlights the region’s allure, it also underscores the urgent need for infrastructural upgrades and sustainable tourism planning. The GLOF disaster exposed the environmental fragility of North Sikkim, and yet, a year later, destinations like Lachen and Lachung remain largely inaccessible due to poor road conditions. The government’s silence and inaction on these glaring issues are alarming.
The Sikkim government must now move beyond rhetoric and take concrete action. Adequate budget allocations, systematic maintenance, and swift disaster response mechanisms must become standard practice. Infrastructure improvement is not solely the responsibility of policymakers—citizens must also hold the government accountable for delivering dependable connectivity.
Dzongu and the entire North Sikkim, deserves better, and the government must pay attention to the region's woes. The gaps in infrastructural development in North Sikkim must be addressed immediately.
