A powerful landslide struck East Sikkim early Tuesday morning, severely damaging a key 510-MW hydroelectric project on the Teesta River. The landslide, which occurred around 7:30 a.m. near Dipu Dara in the Singtam area, caused significant harm to the powerhouse of the Teesta Stage V project operated by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC). The project’s GIS building also suffered major damage.
In total, 17-18 homes were affected, with six families evacuated. These families have been relocated to the NHPC Guest House in Balutar, now serving as a relief center.
The landslide has also blocked the Singtam-Dikchu road, but a temporary detour via Dochum is available. Gangtok’s district collector, Tushar Nikhare, has urged the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to repair the road quickly. The BRO has pledged to restore access as soon as possible.
A team from Delhi is expected to assess the damage and propose restoration plans. Meanwhile, the Department of Mines and Geology will investigate the landslide and recommend both immediate and long-term recovery strategies.
This incident follows recent landslides in North Sikkim that left tourists stranded and caused fatalities. In June, heavy rains led to similar disruptions, with several people killed and infrastructure severely damaged. As Sikkim remains a popular destination for high-altitude tourism, authorities are working to prevent and manage these natural disasters.
