Tourism Revival in North Sikkim: New Permits Issued Post-Glacial Flood

The Mangan district administration is issuing permits for tourists to visit North Sikkim destinations like Lachen and Gurudongmar Lake. This comes after a hiatus due to a glacial lake flood outburst in 2023. A new bailey suspension bridge aids in restoring regional connectivity, emphasizing safe and regulated traffic flow.

The Mangan district administration and Tourism Department will start issuing permits to tourists for visiting North Sikkim sites such as Lachen and Gurudongmar Lake from March 9, according to an official statement on Sunday. Tourists can obtain permits through the district collectorate in Mangan or via authorized travel agencies, adhering to government regulations.

Mangan District Collector Anant Jain mentioned that the decision to resume issuing permits follows the repair works post the 2023 glacial lake flood outburst, which had damaged regional infrastructure. The district administration halted tourism access after the incident, but it now aims to revive the sector safely. The new bailey suspension bridge over the Taram Chu is pivotal for restoring connectivity.

The 400-foot-long bridge on Chungthang–Lachen Road, with a capacity of 12 tonnes, was inaugurated last month. To protect the bridge's structural integrity, traffic restrictions have been enforced: only light vehicles are permitted, and only one vehicle can cross at a time. Adequate police deployment ensures these guidelines are upheld.