Gyalshing, August 23: Rimbi-Singlitam landslide relief efforts have been intensified, with the Gyalshing District Administration providing ex-gratia assistance and essential materials to 25 affected families after a formal assessment of the damage.
Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister and area MLA Tshering T. Bhutia visited the landslide-hit area and relief camp alongside Gyalshing District Collector Tenzing D. Denzongpa. The officials reviewed the ground situation and interacted with families displaced or affected by the disaster.
According to an official report from the Sikkim Information and Public Relations Department, the landslide damaged private property, agricultural land and standing crops. Several residential structures have also been exposed to potential danger because of unstable ground conditions.
During the visit, financial assistance and relief materials were distributed among 25 families identified as eligible following field verification.
Government Assures Continued Support
Addressing the affected residents, Bhutia said the state government was concerned about the situation and closely monitoring developments in the area.
He assured the families that assistance from the government and district administration would continue. Preventive and protective measures would also be initiated at the earliest to reduce the possibility of further damage, he said.
The minister urged residents to remain vigilant and follow advisories issued by the district administration, particularly while the ground remains unstable.
Assistance Released After Field Verification
Denzongpa said the ex-gratia assistance was released after the Land Revenue team, led by the Yuksam Revenue Officer, conducted field verification and assessed the damage.
Verification reports and recommendations submitted by the concerned panchayats were also considered before assistance was approved under the applicable State Disaster Response Fund and National Disaster Response Fund norms.
The district administration had conducted a detailed inspection the previous Sunday to determine the extent of damage to houses, agricultural crops and land. Special attention was given to locations where unstable terrain posed a possible threat to lives and property.
Denzongpa said officials remained in regular contact with the affected families and were monitoring the situation closely.
Protective Structures and Drainage Measures Planned
The administration is preparing measures to prevent further damage, including the construction of protective structures and improvement of drainage around the affected area.
Steps will also be taken to manage the local jhora and ensure that water flows through a proper channel, reducing pressure on vulnerable slopes.
The existing relief camp may be shifted to a safer and more suitable location if required. The decision will be taken after considering the safety and immediate requirements of the affected families.
The district collector assured residents that necessary intervention and assistance would be provided without delay.
Ex-Servicemen’s Association Extends Support
The Sikkim Vir Gorkha Ex-Servicemen Welfare Association also extended humanitarian assistance to the affected families. Members of the association distributed blankets and essential groceries at the relief camp.
Officials present during the visit included Yuksam SDM Jesse P. Targain, Yuksam BDO Sanman Subba, Deputy Director and Revenue Officer Amrit Rai and Gyalshing District Disaster Management Authority District Project Officer Ganesh Kumar Rai.
Rimbi-Timbrung Panchayat President Mangal Rai and Singlitam Ward Panchayat Member Sonam Zangmu Lepcha were also present, along with field officials and other stakeholders.
The district administration said it would continue monitoring the affected area while prioritising the safety, relief and rehabilitation of families impacted by the landslide.
