Sikkim, Feb 25: Heavy snowfall stranded 324 vehicles, including tourist cars, along the Nathula Pass and Changu Lake route in Sikkim. The vehicles, caught in the sudden snowstorm, were returning from these popular tourist spots. Out of the 540 passes issued for the day, 216 vehicles managed to return safely before the snowfall intensified.
In a swift and coordinated effort, the Indian Army intervened to assist those stranded due to the heavy snowfall along the JNM Road axis. Approximately 200-250 vehicles and around 700-800 tourists were helped and evacuated between Milestones 13 and 17 in the Gangtok district.
The stranded tourists were temporarily sheltered at an Army camp located at 15 Mile for their safety. Snow clearance operations are ongoing, with authorities using both manpower and machinery to restore road access.
The Army, along with local authorities, is providing essential services such as food and shelter to those affected. The situation is being carefully monitored, and efforts are being made to bring normalcy to the area as soon as possible.
This rescue operation follows an earlier incident on February 23, when the Indian Army's Trishakti Corps rescued tourists stranded in East Sikkim due to heavy snowfall. A total of 46 tourists were relocated to the nearest Army camp, where they received medical care, warm shelter, and necessary supplies. In addition, more than 150 tourist vehicles were safely escorted to secure locations.
Nathula Pass and Changu Lake are well-known tourist destinations in Sikkim, drawing visitors from across the country.
