Gangtok:A series of landslides which hit the peripheral areas of Ganesh Tok yesterday morning have not only put the houses below Upper Chandmari at major risk but also poses grave danger to shrine itself.
The heavy rain of night have triggered four landslides around GaneshTok,with one of them sliding from the retaining wall below the shrine.The slides were still active till late afternoon with the constant peeling away of boulders and mud which began around 8.30 in morning.
The landslide and its affected areas were visited by the District Administration official, Panchayats and Police people as soon as locals int imitated them.
It is informed that there are a total of 28 households living below Ganesh Tok which are threatened by the landslides. All the families have been advised to evacuate their homes and though this has initially met with protest from some who refused to leave their homes,officials ,however, convinced them of threat active slides above their houses may pose to lives if turned more larger in scale.Addl.D.C. Navin Karki informs that a total of 10 house owners were living with their tenants in the areas.While some of the households moved to the homes of their relatives & friends nearby, those who did not have same provisions were accommodated at Enchey School or at Panchayat Kendra.he also informed that officials from Mines & Geology dept. have already inspected the slide-zone and surveyed the affected areas. The experts have predicted of more slides as the zone is made up of fragile broken rocks.
"Given the circumstances, the Ganesh Tok Shrine has been closed for public for next three days.after which conditions will be reviewed" Mr. Karki informed.
