BRO restore connectivity in northeast (Photo: Defence Ministry)
New Delhi/Tezpur/Siliguri: The Border Roads Organization (BRO) has mounted an extensive emergency operation across Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and eastern Bhutan, working round the clock to restore vital connectivity after relentless monsoon rains unleashed widespread landslides, road closures, and communication breakdowns throughout the region. The organization’s response has proved particularly crucial following the catastrophic landslide at Lachen in Sikkim, which has dominated regional headlines and emergency relief efforts.
Lachen Tragedy Claims Nine Lives
On Sunday evening, as India Sentinels reported earlier, a series of shallow landslides devastated an Indian Army camp at Chhaten, near Lachen in northern Sikkim’s Mangan district, following several days of torrential rainfall. The disaster has claimed at least nine lives, including military personnel. Several individuals remain missing, among them an Army lieutenant colonel and his family, according to latest reports.
The landslides, precipitated by water-saturated soils on precipitous terrain, stripped hillsides bare of vegetation and caused severe riverbank erosion, placing additional sections of the camp in jeopardy.
The incident left more than 1,000 tourists stranded in the high-altitude regions of Lachen and Lachung, as principal access roads and bridges became impassable due to debris and floodwaters. The BRO, supported by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local authorities, launched emergency operations to clear landslides, reconstruct damaged road sections, and repair a perilous breach near the vital suspension bridge at Phidang.
These efforts enabled the phased evacuation of approximately 1,600 tourists from Lachung, while operations continue to reach those still stranded in Lachen.
Authorities have issued advisories urging tourists to avoid travel to northern Sikkim until restoration work is complete, while providing assurance that other parts of the state remain accessible and safe. Restoration efforts are ongoing, with real-time updates being provided to ensure public safety.
Mizoram Bears Brunt of Unprecedented Destruction
Mizoram has endured relentless rainfall since May 24, which has resulted in an unprecedented 598 landslides across the state by Tuesday. Champhai district, which borders Myanmar, has suffered the worst impact, with 209 incidents recorded. The landslides have damaged 171 houses, necessitated the evacuation of hundreds of residents, and claimed five lives. Road blockages have been reported in 257 locations, severely hampering movement and relief operations.
BRO teams, coordinating with state emergency services and local volunteers, have worked tirelessly to clear debris and restore critical road links, enabling the delivery of relief materials and medical assistance to isolated communities. The state government has issued travel advisories and appealed for urgent central assistance to manage the crisis.
Arunachal Pradesh Faces Continued Challenges
In Arunachal Pradesh's Kurung Kumey district, the Koloriang-Lee-Sarli-Huri road – a vital lifeline for remote communities – has faced repeated blockages due to landslides and swollen rivers. BRO personnel deployed heavy machinery and worked through hazardous conditions to maintain the route’s operability, ensuring continued movement of essential supplies and emergency services to the region’s vulnerable populations.
Eastern Bhutan Connectivity Restored
Eastern Bhutan, sharing borders with Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, has also experienced severe weather-induced disruptions. The Darranga-Trashigang Highway, a critical cross-border thoroughfare, was blocked by landslides and debris flows. BRO teams, drawing upon their expertise in mountainous terrain, successfully reopened the highway, restoring connectivity for local residents and cross-border trade.
BRO’s Vital Role in Crisis Management
The current monsoon crisis has underscored the indispensable role of the BRO in maintaining connectivity and providing critical support across some of the region’s most challenging and remote landscapes. Operating in hostile terrain under extreme weather conditions, BRO personnel have demonstrated exemplary commitment – often risking their own safety to ensure timely relief, evacuation, and restoration of vital infrastructure.
The organization’s swift interventions have not only facilitated the rescue of stranded tourists and residents but have also enabled the delivery of essential supplies, medical aid, and communication services to areas otherwise severed by natural calamities.
As monsoon rains continue to lash the northeast and adjoining regions, authorities maintain heightened vigilance, with BRO teams remaining on standby for further emergencies. The government has urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert, cooperate with evacuation orders, and adhere to advisories issued by local administrations.
