The deck of a dam in Sikkim was opened for one-way traffic on Monday, restoring the direct connectivity between Gangtok and Namchi after a gap of 25 days.

On October 4, the devastating flash flood in the Teesta had swept away as many as 44 bridges in different locations of the state.

“The flash flood had also swept away L.D. Kazi Bridge at Sirwani and the Indreni bridge near Singtam. As a result, direct connectivity between Namchi and Gangtok had snapped. People had to take turnaround routes to reach Gangtok from Namchi and vice-versa,” said a source in the administration.

It was decided on Monday that the wide slab deck over the Teesta Stage VI barrage, a power project site on the Teesta in Sikkim, would be opened for light motor vehicles, two-wheelers and pedestrians.

“The route would remain open for around 15 hours in a day, during night and day time. It will be closed at regular intervals. The police administration of Gangtok district has issued a detailed directive on the movement of vehicles. Heavy vehicles will not be allowed on this route,” the source added.

In Mangan, the northern district of the Himalayan state which has been extensively affected by the flood caused by the South Lhonak lake's outburst, the Border Roads Organisation which functions under the defence ministry is carrying out repairs at a number of sites to restore direct road connectivity between Mangan and Chungthang. The highway that connects the two locations had been washed away. Chungthang is the point from where people head for Lachen and Lachung, the two tourist hotspots in Sikkim.

Tourism

Chief minister P.S. Tamang visited Ravangla, a popular tourist destination in Namchi district, on Monday. He was there to attend the golden jubilee celebrations of a junior high school.

In the course of his visit, Tamang inspected the ChoZho Lake, which is currently under construction and discussed “Rabong Discover,” a tourism fest planned in the area.

The site will also have a children's park, a cafeteria, zip line, tree-house, a volleyball court and a stage for performances.