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The Hindu
30-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Sikkim MP Indra Hang Subba submits representation to Parliamentary panel seeking restoration of flight operations at Pakyong airport
Sikkim's lone Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba on Monday (June 30, 2025) met Sanjay Kumar Jha, chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism, and Culture, and submitted a representation seeking urgent intervention for the restoration of flight operations at Pakyong airport and connectivity in the northern parts of the State. A statement from the MP's office said that Mr. Subba briefed Mr. Jha about the ongoing crisis faced by the people and tourism stakeholders in North Sikkim following repeated natural disasters — notably the Glacier Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) of October 4, 2023 and the flash flood of June 1 this year. 'These events severely damaged infrastructure, particularly the Toong-Naga stretch, cutting off vital destinations such as Lachen, Lachung, Yumthang, Yumesamdong, Katao, Kalapathar, and Gurudongmar Lake,' it said. 'In the representation, Mr. Subba called for immediate support in areas such as the restoration of all damaged roads and bridges leading to key tourist hubs in the State, the development of climate-resilient infrastructure including elevated roads and tunnels, and a special relief package for tourism stakeholders including homestays, tour operators, and transporters and banking assistance, including moratoriums, restructuring of loans, waiver of penal interest, and emergency credit lines,' the statement said. 'He also highlighted the strategic importance of these roads for national security owing to their proximity to the India-China border,' it said. The representation also addressed issues at Pakyong airport and requested the immediate resumption of SpiceJet flights connecting Pakyong to Delhi and other key cities, the expansion of runway from 1.75 km to 3 km to enable operation of larger aircraft and the procurement of Bombardier Q-400 aircraft by Air India and other carriers, ideal for regional operations at Pakyong. Sikkim landslide: Body of Army man recovered, search underway for five others The MP noted that Sikkim recently celebrated its golden jubilee of Statehood, and that strengthening connectivity would support the State's progress. The Parliamentary committee is on a five-day visit to the Himalayan State.
Time of India
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
To battle floods, Bengal govt to start Teesta dredging soon
1 2 3 Jalpaiguri: With the bed of the Teesta rising around two metres following the 2023 Glacier Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in Sikkim, Bengal govt has decided to dredge and desilt the river. The GLOF at North Sikkim's South Lhonak Lake in Oct 2023 had significantly impacted the Teesta riverbed with massive silt deposit. Experts fear that if the river is not desilted immediately, a heavy downpour in the upper catchment areas might spell doom for the areas the Teesta flows through. The rising river has already washed away two villages — Laltong and Chamakdangi — in Jalpaiguri's Rajganj block. At least 200 families from the two villages have been relocated to Kholachand Fapri. Bengal govt has decided to engage West Bengal Mineral Development and Trading Corporation Ltd (WBMDTCL) and the irrigation department to desilt some 30 spots on the Teesta from Sevoke railway bridge to Maynaguri's Bakali, across 50 km. "It would be a no-cost-effect dredging and the state will gain revenue by selling the sand and riverbed material," said irrigation minister Manas Bhunia in Jalpaiguri on Thursday after a meeting with departments concerned. A survey by the irrigation department estimates that it would cost about Rs 567 crore to desilt the Teesta if private agencies are involved. "Centre has not given a single penny since 2016 for desilting or bund repairing. This year, Centre has allocated only Rs 412 crore for the entire country's flood management. We, therefore, have decided to desilt Teesta on our own," Bhunia said. The minister also advocated for an India-Bhutan river commission. "There are 76 rivers originating from Bhutan which spell catastrophe for the Dooars every monsoon. They bring along dolomite, raising riverbeds by 4-5 feet. A joint river commission is the need of the hour but Centre is paying no heed to our appeals," he said. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
