Due to adverse weather conditions in Sikkim, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has been forced to cancel his planned visit to the region on October 11. Singh, who had arrived at Bagdogra airport earlier in the day, was unable to proceed with his scheduled helicopter journey to Gangtok.
Despite the setback, Singh will continue with the inauguration of several defense-related projects in Sikkim virtually from the Sukna Military base in Siliguri, West Bengal.
Changed Itinerary and Ongoing Inaugurations
Originally, Singh was expected to attend the Army Commanders Conference at the 17 Mountain Division headquarters in Gangtok. He was also scheduled to inaugurate the Prerna Sthal memorial in Bardang, Pakyong District. The memorial honors the 22 Army personnel who tragically lost their lives during the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood on October 4, 2023.
Chief Minister Prem Singh Golay is expected to participate in the virtual inauguration of Prerna Sthal, replacing Singh’s physical presence at the event. The day’s plans had also included a dinner hosted by Golay in Singh’s honor at Samman Bhawan.
Border Roads Organisation Projects at Nathula Pass
On the following day, Singh was scheduled to inaugurate 75 projects under the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) from Sherathang, near the Indo-Tibet border at Nathula Pass. It remains unclear how the inclement weather will affect these plans moving forward.
Despite the change in format, the ministry remains committed to ensuring the continued progress and acknowledgment of important defense projects in the region.
