(Source – ANI News)
The Army has rescued over 2,500 tourists stranded near the 17th Mile area in east Sikkim, close to the India-China border, because of heavy snowfall, officials said on Saturday.
The tourists were returning from Nathu La pass and Tsomgo (Changu) Lake on Friday evening when snowfall blocked roads, leaving 300-400 vehicles stranded at various points on Jawahar Lal Nehru Road, East Sikkim District Magistrate Kapil Meena said. He said the Army swung into action and rescued the tourists. They were brought to a camp in the 17th Mile area and served food and medicines. Arrangements were being made to transfer the tourists to the State capital.
“Indian Army rescued more than 2500 civilians stuck in more than 400 vehicles around Nathula, Sikkim, due to heavy snowfall. All were provided food, shelter & medical care last night,” the Army tweeted Saturday.
As of now, tourist vehicle won’t be allowed to ply on Jawahar Lal Nehru Road, Mr. Meena said. Operations were under way to clear the snow and restore the road link.
The Army has also deployed two sets of JCBs and Dozers of the Border Roads Organisation for snow clearance and restoration of connectivity. The Army said the evacuation operation would continue until all stranded tourists were moved to Gangtok.