National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) Holds Emergency Meeting to Address Sikkim Situation

The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC), chaired by Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba, convened an urgent meeting today to assess the evolving situation in Sikkim.

Amidst the challenging circumstances, the Chief Secretary of Sikkim participated in the meeting via video conferencing, providing a comprehensive update on the current state of affairs within the state. He also detailed the proactive efforts undertaken by the State government to execute relief and rescue operations. The Home Secretary, in turn, apprised the Committee that the Central Government is tirelessly monitoring the situation around the clock at the highest level. Both control rooms of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) are vigilantly overseeing the situation, and every possible support is being extended.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has already dispatched three teams to the affected area, with additional teams standing by in Guwahati and Patna. To bolster the state’s rescue and recovery endeavors, an ample number of teams and assets from the Army and Air Force are being deployed.

During the review of relief and rescue measures implemented by Central Agencies and the Government of Sikkim, Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba emphasized the urgent need to prioritize the evacuation of individuals stranded within the Chungthang dam tunnel and tourists. He further recommended the deployment of extra NDRF teams and the swift restoration of road, telecommunications, and power connectivity.

The Cabinet Secretary assured the Government of Sikkim that all Central agencies are fully prepared and available to provide assistance in these critical times.

The high-level meeting saw the participation of key officials, including the Union Home Secretary, Chief Secretary of Sikkim, Secretaries from various Ministries including Power, Road Transport & Highways, Military Affairs, Telecommunications, and Water Resources, the Member Secretary of NDMA, CISC IDS, DG of IMD, DG of NDRF, and senior officers from the Ministry of Home Affairs.