Tourism Deptt condoles earthquake casualties, grateful for assistance rendered to stranded tourists

The final batch of tourists airlifted out of Lachung lands at Mangan in North Sikkim on 21 Sept

DEPARTMENT ASSURES INFRASTRUCTURE WILL BE RESTORED IN TIME FOR TOURIST SEASON, APPEALS TO ALL NOT TO CANCEL BOOKINGS
GANGTOK, 22 Sept: The Tourism & Civil Aviation Department has expressed deep sympathy and condolences to the families of victims of the Sunday earthquake. The Department has also thanked organizations and individuals who assisted in attending to tourists stranded in Lachung and eventually evacuating them. It has further reassured that the tourism infrastructure in all parts of Sikkim, save North Sikkim, has been only partially affected and will be restored in time for the approaching tourist season. In this regard, the Department has appealed to tour operators and tourists from outside the State not to cancel their bookings and visit Sikkim.


The Department has also recorded its thanks towards the Army whose personnel who braved inclement weather to carry out search and rescue operations in the most difficult circumstances. “The Army has always been of great help to the Department and Civil Administration and support in such situations,” states a press release issued by the Secretary, Tourism & Civil Aviation Department, N. Yethenpa.
The Department has made special mention of the successful evacuation by the army of 68 tourists stranded in Lachung and has also tanked the two pilots and two Brigadiers who effected a risky rescue of injured persons trapped between Chungthang and Mangan.
Thanks have also be recorded for the ITBP, National Disaster Rescue Force and all officials of the North District involved in search and rescue operations. “The unselfish efforts made by Shri Paljor Lachungpa, Advisor, TAAS in providing support to the tourists stranded at Lachung during the time of crisis is also appreciated,” the release adds.
The Department has further assured that before the coming tourist season, “all the infrastructure, transport and communication will be in place”.