Gangtok, May 22, 2025: A major landslide struck the Sokey Gaon area below the 11th Mile under Nandok Block Administrative Centre (BAC) at approximately 11:00 AM on Thursday, affecting a team of labourers engaged in a Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) pipeline project.
The landslide, triggered from the upper hillside, impacted five workers present at the site. The labourers have been identified as Kumar Subba, Tshering Bhutia, Suraj Sharma, Deepak Adhikari, and Phuchung Lepcha.
Following the incident, Kumar Subba was initially reported missing, sparking an immediate search and rescue operation. He was later found alive and rescued by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), led by ASP Tshering Yangzom Bhutia and Team Commander ASI Narendra, with support from disaster management officials under Nandok BAC and local residents who played a crucial role in the operation.
Meanwhile, Tshering Bhutia sustained head injuries and was rushed to the nearest hospital for medical attention. The remaining three workers managed to escape uninjured.
Senior officials and public representatives promptly visited the site to oversee the situation. Among them were Mr. Tenzing Norbu Lamtha, MLA of 23-Syari Tathangchen Constituency; Mr. Abhijeet Patil, IAS, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Gangtok; Mr. Sonam Wongyal Lepcha, Deputy Director of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA); Mr. T.T. Gensapa, BDO of Nandok BAC; Ms. Tara Sharma, Station House Officer, Ranipool Police Station; and a medical team from Ranipool Urban Public Health Centre.
The District Disaster Management Authority, Gangtok, has confirmed that the situation is under control and further monitoring is underway. Authorities are also assessing the site for any continuing risks or disruptions to infrastructure projects.
The incident has raised concerns regarding safety protocols at worksites in landslide-prone areas, especially during the monsoon season.
