Massive Army Operation to Locate Buried Explosives Along Teesta River in Sikkim and West Bengal

Massive Army Operation to Locate Buried Explosives Along Teesta River in Sikkim and West Bengal

VoM News Desk | October 8, 2023 | 06:53 PM IST | Sikkim | Follow on Google News

Massive Army Operation to Locate Buried Explosives Along Teesta River in Sikkim and West Bengal

Massive Army Operation to Locate Buried Explosives Along Teesta River in Sikkim and West Bengal

A large-scale operation has been initiated by the Indian Army to locate explosives that may be buried beneath silt and debris on the banks of the Teesta River, spanning hundreds of kilometers in Sikkim and West Bengal. This action follows a flash flood triggered by a lake outburst in north Sikkim, which swept away an army ammunition depot along with explosives, ammunition, and weapons.

Extensive Search Efforts Underway

To locate the potentially buried explosives, the Indian Army has deployed 33 teams, each consisting of 6-7 army personnel, including explosive experts. These teams are actively engaged in scanning the river’s banks, and drones have also been mobilized for the operation.

Warning to Local Population

Both the Sikkim government and Jalpaiguri police in West Bengal have issued warnings to residents living along the Teesta River’s banks. The advisories caution against handling or picking up any explosives or ammunition that may be found, as they could explode and cause serious harm. Tragically, three individuals, including a seven-year-old boy, have already lost their lives in separate incidents while attempting to handle explosives discovered on the river’s banks.

Ongoing Work to Secure the Area

The Indian Army has been actively diffusing explosives found in more than 100 locations along the river’s stretch. However, specific details regarding the types and quantities of explosives washed away have not been disclosed due to national security concerns.

Sanitizing the Teesta’s Banks

Efforts to sanitize the Teesta River’s banks are expected to take at least a week, particularly in the Jalpaiguri district of North Bengal. The potentially buried explosives could include mortar shells, mines, and other military-grade weapons.

Ongoing Search and Rescue in Lhonak Lake Disaster

Additionally, the Indian Army continues search and rescue operations in the aftermath of the Lhonak Lake cloudburst, which resulted in a flash flood in the Teesta River basin, causing significant loss of life and property. Eight soldiers are among the casualties, and 14 more remain missing.

As the operation unfolds, it remains imperative for residents to exercise caution and promptly report any suspicious objects to the authorities, ensuring the safety of the local population.

VoM News Desk

VoM News is an online web portal in jammu Kashmir offers regional, National & global news.