Pakyong, 26 March : Every winter, Sikkim sees an extremely heavy snowfall. However, the state has experienced late but concentrated snowfall, making this year’s snowfall pattern unusual. In spite of the inhospitable weather, the Trishakti Sappers and BRO have launched a massive joint snow clearing operation to clear the heavy snow and keep the strategic roads and communication lines open, allowing locals, military personnel, and tourists to move around more easily.
Troops of Trishakti Corps regularly saves vacationers abandoned because of unexpected snow fall. Under the umbrella of “Operation Himrahat,” major rescue operations were carried out by the Trishakti Corps in East Sikkim on the 11th and 15th of March. As a result, 1400 tourists who were stranded due to an abrupt snowfall were rescued and brought to safety. The Trishakti Sappers take on the difficult and daunting task of clearing snow as part of ongoing operations. This requires them to navigate some of the highest passes through treacherous terrain and temperatures below zero.
“This year’s concentrated snowfall has made snow removal particularly challenging, freezing any movement of civilians or army personnel. The snow removal is being carried out incessantly by Army sappers stationed at altitudes between 14,000 and 18,000 feet. An army official stated, “These missions are benefiting not only the army but also the locals and tourists who are heavily dependent on the opening of roads.”
Due to heavy snowfall, the roads and communication lines connecting the major towns, villages, and forward areas become impassable, and the Indian Army works tirelessly to keep these crucial roads open throughout the winter to ensure connectivity.
Via Lt col Mahendra Rawat PRO DEFENCE
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