HOLA TO THE RESCUE IN LACHUNG

Letter:
A heavy land slide damaged the road between Singring village and Singring Gumpa on Sunday at Lachung, North Sikkim. Though main National Highway to Yumthang valley is open but the bridge is slightly damaged and heavy vehicles have not been allowed to ply over the bridge. Light and medium vehicles are plying and tourists can go safely to Yumthang and Lachung, North Sikkim. Local people and Singring villagers made a temporary wooden bridge connecting Singring village and Singring Gompa which is a temporary solution. In case of natural calamities in Lachung and surrounding areas at North Sikkim a system called “HOLA” comes forward to help for restoration work. “HOLA” means everyone from each family has to be present to help on the spot and every evening attendance is taken. Villagers from Singring and people of Lachung welcome all possible help and support from the Government authority to keep the roads clear. They do not wait for Government machinery in case of emergencies but come forward and ask all the local people to join hands for rescue and restoration. Now the tourists season is nearing its end but all the hoteliers, residents, vehicle owners came together to help the tourists during such an emergency in their area.
A report sent by the executive member of Sikkim Association for Adventure Tour Operators (SAATO) T T Bhutia (Akula) and a couple who were on a visit to Lachung and Yumthang from Tuesday to Thursday and returned to Gangtok safely. Tourists are happy and they thanked the local people for their help and support during such a situation.
SAATO