Lower Mangan Bazaar sink raises worries, residents highlight need for immediate protective works

DIKCHU, 26 Sept: The rains were persistent in North Sikkim over the weekend and even as a fury of landslides tore through the slopes in the district, the damage potential of the saturated slopes and poor drainage continues to hang heavy, with fear now coursing through the minds of Lower Mangan Bazar residents as visible sinks have developed here. Several families have already evacuated to safer locations even as some houses are in obvious danger with slides having started tugging at their foundations.
In slides reported today, the cultivated field of Karma Chopel Dadul along with a cow shed there was damaged and even his houses stands in danger. The sinking slide here is also pulling at the foundation of buildings belonging to Pintso Tamang, Pangrey Tamang, Ambi Kesar Pradhan, Sonam Tamang, Sugen Saring, Sonam Bhutia, Garden Cafe Building and the cardamom field of Chumki Saring.
The family residing in the Garden Cafe building moved out after visible damage was noticed in the foundation due to the slide zone.
Meanwhile, the Lower Mangan Bazar has been cut off from both ends and even the alternate route from the petrol pump is blocked at Rimit Khola. Resident inform that the old petrol pump and SNT complex right above this spot are also in precarious condition.
The slide, residents insist, was triggered by overflowing water at the road and not the entire area is unstable, they believe. The road overflow has also caused a slide from the base of Rabong Khola nearby, they add.
It is obvious that the entire belt requires urgent protective works.
The Mangan Nagar Panchayat is reportedly preparing a detailed report on the damage suffered here and the need for protective works and repairs.