Gangtok, June 18 (Reporter) Evacuation of tourists stranded since June 12 in Lachung, over 115 km from Gangtok, began smoothly following improvement of weather conditions in the Himalayan terrain, official sources said on Tuesday. Mangan superintendent of police in the North district headquarters, Soman Dechu Bhutia, said a joint evacuation effort mounted by the Indian Army, BRO (Border Roads Organisation), state administration, with the help of local people, began on Monday from the upper hills to safer distances besides Gangtok. No untoward incidents have been reported. Over 1,200 domestic travellers and 15 foreign tourists (10 Bangladeshi, three from Nepal and two Thais) were stuck at Chungthang at a height of 2,900 metres, after devastating floods triggered by torrential rains disrupted vehicular traffic following landslides and shooting rocks and boulders from the upper region. Besides the hotels and homestay, majority of those stranded took shelter at a Gurdwara in Chungthang, sources added. A tourist while on his way to Gangtok after being rescued thanked the Sikkim government, Indian Army, and BRO and recounted how 200 landslides occurred in and around the region. "The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has successfully launched and executed a critical rescue operation to evacuate tourists stranded beyond Chungthang after a devastating flood hit the state of Sikkim on the night of June 12, 2024. "Despite challenging weather conditions, the BRO, in collaboration with the district administration of Mangan, has demonstrated exceptional dedication and efficiency in their rescue efforts," a media statement said on Tuesday. The rescue operation, which commenced on June 17, faced significant hurdles due to inclement weather. However, the resilience and determination of the BRO teams led to the successful evacuation of 50 tourists by evening. The BRO's swift response and strategic planning were instrumental in overcoming the adverse conditions to ensure the safety of the stranded individuals. The BRO also acknowledged that its evacuation mission received unwavering support from the district administration of Mangan and intensified its rescue operations on June 18. The combined efforts resulted in the successful evacuation of over 500 tourists, providing them with safe passage from the flood-affected regions. The relentless efforts of the BRO in clearing numerous landslides were pivotal in facilitating the movement of tourists to safer locations. "The BRO's role in clearing obstructed pathways and restoring connectivity has been commendable. Their tireless work in removing debris and stabilizing the affected areas has not only enabled the safe evacuation of tourists but also laid the groundwork for the ongoing recovery efforts in the region." "The successful rescue operations underscore the BRO's preparedness and capability to respond to natural disasters. The organisation remains dedicated to its mission of ensuring the safety and security of all individuals in distress, and their recent efforts in Sikkim exemplify this commitment," the statement said. One of the women, who was also stuck up during the storms, along with her family members, said, "We are overwhelmed with the support of the Indian Army, Sikkim Government, state police, and the authorities of the Chungthang Gurdwara." There is a saying in Sikkim that Guru Nanak visited parts of the hills and named Changi Stan, which is now known as the Chungthang...////...