Dzongu face prolonged isolation as Phidang Bridge in perilous condition

PANKAJ DHUNGEL

Over 1,200 tourists stranded in North Sikkim amid heavy rains, landslides and swollen Teesta River

GANGTOK,: The Phidang bailey bridge, a critical lifeline connecting Dzongu & North Sikkim to the rest of the State, stands on the verge of collapse after days of incessant rainfall in Mangan district.

With the Teesta river swelling beyond safe levels over the past few days, the Phidang bridge in Lower Dzongu – installed after the 2023 Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF)—has suffered severe base damage, officials and locals said.

In present times, Phidang provides the sole road connectivity to entire Dzongu following the collapse of a suspension bailey bridge at Sangkhalang, the main entry point in Upper Dzongu near Mangan town, on February 11. It is also a crucial connectivity link to Chungthang and beyond via Shipgyer in Upper Dzongu.

The recent spell of monsoon rains has battered Mangan district, registering 88 mm on May 30, 48.2 mm on May 31, and 77% above-normal rainfall on June 1. This relentless downpour has triggered landslides, washed away road sections, and weakened key infrastructure across the region.

Among the most affected is the Phidang bridge with erosion now visible at the foundation causing vehicular movement to be restricted. The General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) managed temporary repairs on Sunday, permitting limited foot passage for local residents and emergency services. However, concerns remain over the bridge's ability to endure the monsoon season which has just commenced in Sikkim.

Mangan Zilla Upa-adhyaksha Sonam Kipa Bhutia shared: “North Sikkim road condition is currently pathetic, there could be 700-800 tourists stranded in the higher regions of North Sikkim. There was an accident in Munshithang where 8 persons are still missing, but rescue operations aren't being able to be conducted due to rising river level. The Phidang bailey bridge was our lifeline but even that now stands perilous.”

Most of the local citizens highlighted the poor quality work done by the GREF for the restoration of roads as well as in construction of the Phidang bailey bridge. They contended how both necessary infrastructures are rushed during construction with poor quality materials, while they are weathered and damaged in every monsoon season.

Local villager Mikmar Tshering Lepcha said that locals and BRO personnel worked overnight to ensure safe passage, but the bridge’s fate depends on the water level stabilizing.

“If this continues, it will collapse. Half of North Sikkim will be cut off. There is no guarantee that the Phidang bailey bridge will last long over excessive rainfall this monsoon. If connectivity at Phidang is hampered then the rations for entire Dzongu will stop. We had urged the Mangan District Magistrate to restore the bamboo bridge adjacent to the bailey bridge so that in case of emergencies, commute could happen to Dzongu.”

Despite repeated pleas, locals claim the district administration dismissed renovation requests, stating the bridge is still functional. With the monsoon just commencing and expected to last 3-4 more months, Dzongu residents and stranded tourists in Lachen and Lachung remain anxious, as infrastructure struggles to withstand nature’s pressure.

Local villager Tenzing Lepcha shared, “The damage to Phidang bailey bridge will not only affect the people of Dzongu but the entire North Sikkim population as well as the Army movement. This is the only lifeline for the entire Mangan District. The district magistrate and administration need to take quick action as despite our complaints almost a month ago, they failed to act. If the bamboo bridge was restored it would have proved to be an alternative bridge in times of emergency like this.”

Migrant workers and locals in Dzongu have already begun crossing the Phidang bridge on foot, fearing they may be stranded for days or even months should the structure give way.

Mangan district authorities, meanwhile, are grappling with multiple crises following heavy rains for the past few days.

A total of 1,276 domestic tourists and two foreign nationals remain stranded in Lachen and Lachung due to landslides, collapsed bridges, and washed-out roads. On Friday night, a tourist vehicle fell into the Teesta River near Chungthang. Two were rescued while eight occupants including the driver are still missing and are feared swept away by the fast flowing river.

Search and rescue efforts are continuing while efforts are also on to evacuate the stranded tourists.

The rescue efforts which have been attempted since May 29, was dampened due to incessant rainfall to the extent of a Red Alert being induced on May 31 morning in Mangan District by Indian Meteorological Department.

Mangan SP Sonam Detchu Bhutia, said, “Around 1276 domestic tourists and 2 foreign nationals are currently stranded in Lachen and Lachung in Mangan district following incessant rainfall induced landslides, bridge collapse and damage along with high rise of River Teesta. The evacuation process which was supposed to be carried out on Sunday was dampened due to landslide in Shipgyer in Upper Dzongu on Friday night.”

It was informed that evacuation of the stranded tourists will take place on Monday morning as the Chungthang to Phidang road is now accessible.

Pic caption: An overflowing Teesta River sweeps past the Phidang bridge in Lower Dzongu. SE Pic