The Union Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba had a virtual meeting with the Chief Secretary of Sikkim V.B. Pathak. The top bureaucrat was informed by Secretary Pathak that there was a significant lack of connectivity in North Sikkim which was also hampering the ongoing rescue operations.
According to reports, the army and the BSNL had been planning to use helicopter transport services to bring five VSAT units and technicians to restore communication in Lachung, Lachen, Chatten and Theng. Secretary Pathak also informed the top bureaucrat that the Army Ammunition Depot at Munshithang was also destroyed completely. This has also meant that the entire Teesta valley has been filled with ammunitions, weapons and explosives, making it much more hazardous for people downstream.
Further, this has also caused more complications for those attempting the rescue operations as the situation has been made much more dangerous. The locals have already been cautioned to not engage with any suspicious looking equipment and to inform the local Police Station if they come across any such items.
Requests have also been made to the Chairman of ISRO for enhanced real time surveillance of the South Lhonak and Shako Chuk Lakes to avoid another catastrophe and be prepared for any further challenges.
