Rescue operations begin as 1,000 tourists stranded in Lachen after road breach

Rescue operations have commenced for nearly 1,000 tourists stranded in Lachen after a road breach near the Tarum Chu bridge and continuous snowfall disrupted connectivity since Sunday. The Indian Army and Border Roads Organisation began evacuating stranded visitors in phases on Wednesday morning after restoring partial access along the damaged stretch, marking a critical breakthrough in the rescue efforts.

The crisis unfolded after a cave-in near Tarum Chu bridge completely cut off the vital route between Chungthang and Lachen. Efforts to evacuate tourists were further hampered by heavy snowfall along the alternative route via Dongkya La, a high-altitude pass exceeding 18,000 feet. Adverse weather conditions and blocked mountain corridors had delayed initial rescue attempts, leaving tourists stranded for several days in the remote region.

With improved access, authorities initiated a controlled evacuation through a challenging corridor connecting Lachen–Dongkya La–Shiv Mandir–Zero Point–Yumthang. Tourists are being moved in batches to ensure safety amid difficult terrain and unpredictable weather. Officials on the ground are closely supervising the operation to maintain coordination and avoid further risks during transit.

Senior district officials, including administrative and police authorities, are overseeing the evacuation process to ensure swift and safe movement of all stranded individuals. Despite progress, authorities remain cautious due to unstable weather conditions, with rescue efforts continuing until all tourists are safely relocated from the affected area.