Area MLA Mr Sonam Gyatso Lepcha inspected the landslide at Rinchen

Mangan, July 23: The Deputy Speaker cum Area MLA of Dzongu constituency, Sonam Gyatso Lepcha accompanied by north district Zilla Adhakysha, Chairmen of Transport Department, District Collector, North, SDM Dzongu carried out an inspection of the landslide at Rinchen which is on the route to the Tholung Monastery. The inspection team also consisted of D.E (PMGSY), D.E. Zilla, D.E and A.E of Tourism,  DPO (LR&DMD), Joint Director of Mines and Geology, Gendun of  Ecclesiastical Dept, ACF wildlife, Local panchayats, Field Staff of various dept and Tholung Gumpa Committe Members.

Due to the incessant rainfall, a major slide has taken place in Rinchen which has totally washed the route to Tholung Minastery in Dzongu few weeks ago. Due to the slide it is impossible for people specially devotees to reach the monastery. The inspection was carried out to find solutions to restore the connectivity. Since slide is still active and the river below is flowing in full spate the problem is difficult to resolve soon. Temporary works to create footpath from above the slide has been directed to be taken up by Gumpa Committe members and same will be take up under SDRF funds. It has also been found that many log bridges and waiting sheds have been damaged and same will be restored soon. In order to restore the permanent connectivity with Tholung Monastery the engineers has been directed to submit a DPR soon and this may entail creation of foot bridge over the Tholung river.

The area MLA has directed that temporary works to restore immediate connectivity to be take up soon after rain intensity subsidies. The route restoration has to be finished before Pang Lhabsol since devotees and local villagers of the area take their offerings to the Monastery and perform sacred prayers during that time.  The Khamsel puja of Tholung Monastery incidentally also falls this year in October. The puja is done every three years and during this time the relics and artifacts of the monastery are displayed to the devotees. The route therefore needs to be restored in shortest time after the rains.

The District Collector has assured to provide all help and funds for immediate restoration of the road. The concerned engineers have been directed to prepare necessary DPRs. In the interim the district administration has written for an air drop of essential supplies to the monastery which is looked by five numbers of staff.