The Indian Army came into rescue of as many as 2,946 tourists who are stranded near the India-China border in Sikkim’s Nathula Pass due to heavy snowfall on friday. The jawans have vacated their barracks to accommodate the stranded tourists to ensure their safety throughout the night,an official said on Saturday.
Nathula Pass is one of the hotspot destination along Indo-China border for tourists visiting Gangtok,the capital of Sikkim.
Though the exact figure was not yet confirmed officially,the Army however tweeted, “Indian Army rescued more than 2,500 civilians stuck in more than 400 vehicles around Nathula, Sikkim due to heavy snowfall. All were provided food, shelter & medical care last night.”
It is reported that heavy snowfall occurred in the upper reaches of Nathula, Changu, Ganeshtok and other places on Friday.
The stranded vehicles carrying the tourists were returning after visiting Nathu La Pass along the Indo-China border. Heavy snowfall hindered the vehicular movement on their return joueney. The Indian Army instantly swung into action to provide rescue and relief to the stranded tourists including food, shelter, warm clothing and medicines..
Around 1,500 tourists have been accommodated at 17 Mile and the remaining shifted to 13 Mile,as said by an official.
Due to heavy snow cover on roads and freezing temperature, the Army is unable to move the tourists ahead, but say that the evacuation operation will continue till all stranded tourists are safely moved out towards Gangtok.
The tourists are being evacuated through joint efforts of the Army, check-post police and General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF).
The Army has also provided heavy machines and dozers of the Border Roads Organisation for snow clearance and restoration of road connectivity.The snow is being removed and the evacuation will start once the road is cleared. Vehicles will be moved with great precautions and tourists will be brought to Gangtok, the official said.
“Presently, it is very cold and windy and the roads are dangerous for normal vehicles,” he added.
