Indian Army launches Operation Him Setu in North Sikkim to evacuate stranded tourists after landslide disrupts Lachen–Chungthang road.
— Sikkim Media (@SikkimMedia) April 9, 2026
Troops of Trishakti Corps, under Eastern Command, are working in extreme weather and heavy snowfall to restore connectivity and open alternate… pic.twitter.com/sXVnyvBBUN
135 stranded tourists were rescued by the Indian Army from North Sikkim after multiple landslides led to areas being isolated, officials said on Thursday. The rescue mission was named 'Operation Him Setu'.
Trishakti Corps under the Eastern Command led the rescue operation despite heavy snowfall. After road connectivity took a severe hit, the Army personnel had to reopen critical passes and activate alternate routes.
Around 1,000 more remain stranded in Lachen, with sustained efforts underway to ensure their rescue at the earliest, they said. Medical emergencies and those requiring immediate assistance are being prioritised, officials were quoted as saying by news agency PTI.
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A total of 32 light vehicles and 10 motorcycles have been moved out so far, with Army vehicles deployed to tow civilian vehicles across steep, snowbound stretches, they said.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is working in close coordination with the Army, undertaking continuous road clearance, snow removal and restoration of connectivity despite challenging terrain and weather, they said.
"Our foremost priority is the safety and well-being of every citizen. Our teams remain committed to providing all necessary assistance on the ground," an Army official said.
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Multiple landslides have disrupted road connectivity between Lachen and Chungthang, an area close to the India-China border.
It was earlier reported by PTI that Tourists are being moved in batches along the challenging Lachen-Dongkya La-Shiv Mandir-Zero Point-Yumthang corridor to ensure safe and smooth transit, they said.
Mangan's District Collector Anant Jain and SP LB Chettri were supervising the rescue operation on the ground, they added.
Road connectivity to Lachen had been cut off for several days after a section near Taramchu caved in, leaving tourists stranded in the high-altitude region.
