30 October 2026
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Operation Him Setu: How India Pulled Off a 48-Hour Mega Rescue of 1,400+ People in Disaster-Hit Sikkim

Operation Him Setu ensured the safe evacuation of over 1,400 people from Lachen in North Sikkim within 48 hours, despite severe weather and landslide disruptions.
Operation Him Setu
Indian Masterminds Stories

New Delhi: Operation Him Setu successfully ensured the safe evacuation of stranded tourists in Lachen within just 48 hours, despite difficult weather and landslide conditions. 

According to official updates India Radio News, the mission was carried out in a smooth, coordinated, and incident-free manner. This large-scale rescue operation highlights the efficiency of Indian authorities in disaster response and emergency management, especially in remote Himalayan regions like North Sikkim.

Details of Operation Him Setu

Authorities confirmed that 1,321 tourists and 84 local residents were safely evacuated from the affected region.

Read also: Uttarakhand Disaster Update: Army Service Corps Animal Transport Provides Critical Relief in Dharali Amidst Operation Dharali

The evacuation was completed quickly, even though the area was facing:

  • Continuous bad weather
  • Landslides disrupting road connectivity
  • Difficult terrain in high-altitude zones

Officials ensured that no injuries or major incidents occurred during the entire rescue process.

Restoration of Connectivity Through Temporary Infrastructure

One of the biggest challenges during Operation Him Setu was the damaged road between Lachen and Chungthang. To solve this, teams quickly constructed a temporary footbridge, which played a crucial role in the evacuation.

This footbridge:

  • Helped people cross damaged road sections safely
  • Allowed continuous movement of rescue teams
  • Ensured faster evacuation without delays

The damaged stretch was part of the Lachen–Chungthang road, a key route in North Sikkim.

Coordinated Efforts by Authorities

The success of the mission reflects strong coordination between:

  • Local administration
  • Disaster response teams
  • Security forces and support staff

Their quick planning and execution ensured that all stranded individuals were rescued within a short time frame.

Importance of Operation Him Setu

This operation is a major example of effective disaster response in India.

It shows:

  • Rapid action during emergencies
  • Efficient use of temporary infrastructure
  • Strong coordination among multiple agencies

Such efforts are critical in mountainous regions like Sikkim, where weather and landslides can quickly disrupt connectivity.

Read also: India’s ‘Tango Charlie’ High-Altitude Drone Explained: Technology, Strategy, and Its Role in Border Security


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