GANGTOK: In preparation for the monsoon season, the district administration of Gangtok in Sikkim has taken steps to mitigate the risk of landslides.
Gangtok district Collector Tushar G Nikhare issued an order prohibiting any new earth excavation activities in the district from June 01 to September 30.
This directive, mandated under Section 30 of the Disaster Management Act 2005, comes amidst the onset of monsoon rains in the Northeast, particularly in Sikkim.
Sikkim’s susceptibility to landslides during this period is well-documented, and hill cutting practices only heighten the vulnerability of certain areas.
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The order, issued by the district collector cum chairman of the district disaster management authority of Gangtok district in Sikkim, states that no new earth excavation works will be permitted during the monsoon season, spanning from June 01 to September 30.
However, activities pertaining to protection, restoration, and maintenance will be allowed to proceed during this period.
The primary objective behind this decision is to avert potential property damages and ensure the safety of residents within Gangtok district in Sikkim.