Monday, September 21, 2009

Vehicle hit by falling boulders in Namok-Dikchu slide




MANGAN, September 20: A driver of a Mahindra Maxx made a narrow escape yesterday when the vehicle was hit by boulders, which came sliding down along the Mangan-Singtam stretch at Namok Khola near Dikchu Bridge.
Ashok Prasad, the driver of SK: 04/4465, after emptying the passengers from the vehicle, was trying to cross this stretch, which was recently hit by landslides. Even though the vehicle has been totally damaged, the driver made a narrow escape.
However, the passengers managed to reach their destination safely via transhipment.
The owner of the vehicle, Srinath Prasad said he is yet to take out the damaged vehicle from the landslide.
Yesterday, SDM, Mangan, BK Lama and District Project Officer, SW Lepcha also visited the area, met with the GREF officers at the spot and discussed about opening the stretch as soon as possible. While assuring to clear the stretch at the earliest, the GREF officials told the district officials that by looking at the present situation it may take more than one week to clear the stretch at Namok Khola. The stretch blocked near Dikchu Bridge will be opened on September 21, GREF officials said
Although transhipment is possible for the commuters, some of them are facing problem in getting taxi vehicles. The Singtam to Mangan taxi services are taking a detour from Gangtok to reach Mangan.
The stretch from Mangan to Chungthang is also blocked at Theng and the GREF is trying to open the stretch as soon as possible. At present the Army, Project Developers and the local public are facing problems in transportation though people are bringing rations via transhipment.

(SikkimExpress)

No comments: