The evacuation of tourists stranded in Lachung began early this morning with the first batch of 18 tourist vehicles successfully reaching Phidang in Lower Dzongu.

The operation was led by District Collector of Mangan, Anant Jain, who accompanied the convoy to ensure the safe transportation of tourists.

According to the latest update, a total of 284 vehicles, including 16 bikes, carrying 1,678 tourists comprising 737 males, 561 females, and 380 children have crossed the Theng Check Post and are en route to Phidang.

The coordinated evacuation effort involved the local administration, Sikkim Police, Indian Army, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Forest Department, Lachung Dzumsa, Travel Agents Association of Sikkim (TAAS), Sikkim Hotel and Restaurant Association (SHRA), Drivers’ Associations, other tourism stakeholders, and local residents.

DC Anant Jain commended all those involved in the operation and confirmed that all tourists from Lachung will be safely brought back today via the Lachung–Chungthang–Siphgyer–Phidang route, with onward travel to Gangtok.

He also informed that road restoration work towards Lachen is in progress. Tourists stranded in Lachen will be evacuated once the route becomes accessible.