Landslip in Kalimpong claims life

PRADIP LOHAGUN

KALIMPONG

16 Sep 2013

A sudden landslip near the Tharpa Choling Monastry in Kalimpong today claimed the life of a 30-year-old man. According to eyewitnesses, Ritesh Chettri was working at a construction site around three in the afternoon when a land mass behind him fell over him and trapped him fatally.

Ritesh, a resident of Bhalukhop, was working along with five others when the incident occurred. Another worker who was also trapped managed to escape without any injuries. Locals said the delay in getting Ritesh out of the debris caused his death. The house owner said the delay was because the victim got trapped under an iron net woven for holding the pillars of the house. The rescuers were able to get Ritesh out after a long struggle and took him to the sub-divisional hospital where the doctors declared him dead.

Area residents said Saturday night’s heavy downpour could have been the reason for the sudden landslip. They added the Kalimpong Municipality did not survey the area ahead of the construction and no preventive measures were taken prior to the construction.