By Samir K Purkayastha
Gangtok, Dec 17 (PTI) Sikkim will remember 2023 mostly as a gloomy year due to the deaths of scores of people in a massive flash flood in Teesta River triggered by a cloudburst in glacial South Lhonak Lake.
At least 42 people were killed, while 77 others remained missing and thousands were displaced as the raging Teesta, which was in spate after the cloudburst in north Sikkim on October 4, inundated towns and villages downstream.
At least 1,173 houses were damaged and 13 bridges washed away, while the Chungthang hydroelectric power dam in Mangan district was completely destroyed.
Over 25,000 people were displaced and sheltered in 22 relief camps.
However, the visit of Dalai Lama to the Himalayan state in December after over a decade brought some solace to the people scarred by the devastation, as over 30,000 people listened to his sermons on Buddhist philosophy at Gangtok’s Paljor Stadium.
Sikkim hosted a G20 meeting in August, during which the state showcased its rich culture and traditions to the world. Investors showed interest in pumping in Rs 1,000 crore in the Himalayan state.
The year started with nine-year-old Sikkimese girl Jetshen Dohna Lama bringing cheers to the people of the state by winning a prestigious reality singing contest on national television, as thousands lined up on both sides of the road to welcome her upon her return home after the victory.
This story was originally published in thefederal.com. Read the full story here .
