Ex-footballer Nirmal Chettri joins Teesta river flood restoration in Sikkim's Melli

Amidst the havoc caused by the swollen Teesta River in Sikkim's Melli, former Indian footballer Nirmal Chettri has taken an active role in restoration efforts alongside local citizens. The recent surge in water levels has submerged Melli ground, prompting urgent measures to create embankments and mitigate the flood's impact on the border town in North Bengal.

Chettri, renowned for his contributions to Indian football, stood shoulder to shoulder with the people of Melli, contributing to the construction of embankments to curb the advancing waters of the Teesta River. His presence and efforts signify a collective determination to safeguard the town from potential disaster.

Expressing concern for the town's safety, Chettri advocated for permanent solutions to fortify Melli's river bank against future threats, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to protect vulnerable communities along the river.

The urgency of the situation was underscored by a comprehensive inspection led by Ms. Annapurna Alley, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Namchi, on May 29. The inspection team, including DC Namchi and other officials, surveyed the affected areas around Melli ground, Yes Bank Limited (YBL), West Bengal Melli, and Bhalu Khola, assessing the extent of the damage caused by rising water levels.

Heavy rainfall across the region has led to substantial destruction, with the water level surpassing the Melli Stadium's boundaries, inundating the area. The flooding has also disrupted road connectivity in North Sikkim, isolating several places and posing challenges for residents and authorities alike.