BRO Begins Snow Clearance Ops in Sikkim

GANGTOK- The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has initiated large-scale, round-the-clock snow clearance operations in Sikkim following heavy snowfall that disrupted connectivity across high-altitude areas in the state’s eastern and northern regions.

The operation, being carried out under Project Swastik, was launched after intense snowfall on March 21 led to the closure of several key routes, affecting both civilian movement and strategic access near the Indo-China border.

Officials reported that as of March 22, the Jawaharlal Nehru Road (JN Road), a major route in East Sikkim, has been cleared and reopened for vehicular traffic up to the 15th Mile. However, areas beyond this point remain inaccessible due to heavy snow accumulation and icy conditions.

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Key tourist and strategic destinations, including Tsomgo (Changu) Lake, Nathula Pass, and Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir, continue to remain closed. In North Sikkim, while the Chungthang–Lachung route is reportedly open, access to higher-altitude locations such as Zero Point and Gurudongmar Lake remains restricted.

BRO personnel are working under challenging conditions, deploying heavy machinery such as dozers and excavators in sub-zero temperatures, reportedly reaching as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius. These routes are considered vital not only for tourism but also for maintaining logistical supply lines to forward military positions.

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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an avalanche alert for areas above 3,500 metres in Gangtok and Pakyong districts, further complicating restoration efforts. Authorities have advised against travel to high-altitude zones, citing risks associated with snow slides and unstable terrain.

The Sikkim Tourism Department has temporarily suspended permits for visitors to high-altitude areas as a precautionary measure. Officials stated that reopening of routes will depend on weather conditions and safety assessments.

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Security agencies, including the Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps, are also monitoring the situation. Recent rescue operations carried out during earlier snowfall events highlighted the challenges faced by stranded tourists and the need for coordinated response mechanisms.

The ongoing operations underscore the critical role of infrastructure agencies in maintaining connectivity in Himalayan regions, particularly during extreme weather conditions. Authorities have urged residents and tourists to remain cautious and follow official advisories until conditions stabilise.