Press Release: Sikkim State Legal Services Authority and District Legal Services Authority, Gyalshing Extend Legal Aid and Relief Support to Rimbi-Timbrong Disaster-Affected Families
PRESS RELEASE
[1] Under the aegis of the Sikkim State Legal Services Authority (Sikkim SLSA), the District Legal Services Authority, Gyalshing District, undertook strategic interventions to provide legal assistance and services to the victims of the mass disaster that occurred at Rimbi-Timbrong GPU, Gyalshing District, on 25th September, 2026. The intervention was carried out in accordance with the NALSA (Legal Services to Disaster Victims through Legal Services Authorities) Scheme, 2010.
[2] The intervention aimed to ensure that the affected persons and their family members had access to legal aid, legal advice and appropriate remedies to address legal issues arising from the disaster. It also sought to ensure that no affected person was deprived of legal assistance due to financial difficulties, displacement, loss of livelihood or other hardships caused by the disaster.
[3] As part of the intervention, the DLSA, Gyalshing, facilitated the identification of affected persons requiring legal assistance and provided guidance on matters relating to compensation, relief and rehabilitation benefits, restoration of essential documents, access to welfare schemes and other legal issues arising from the disaster, as applicable. The DLSA also coordinated with the concerned government departments and other relevant stakeholders to facilitate access to appropriate relief measures and legal remedies for eligible persons.
[4] A Legal Aid Clinic was also established to facilitate counselling and provide legal guidance to the affected persons. The Clinic served as a point of contact for addressing their legal concerns, providing information on their rights and entitlements and guiding them on the procedures for seeking relief and assistance under applicable laws and government schemes.
[5] Assistance was provided to rescue personnel in safely extricating cattle trapped in deep mud and slush, thereby helping protect the livestock and livelihoods of affected families. Support was also extended in shifting household belongings and essential articles from vulnerable areas to safer locations. Mental health counselling was facilitated in coordination with Yuksom Primary Health Centre and Darap Primary Health Centre to support the psychological well-being of the affected persons.
[6] The initiative reflected the commitment of the Sikkim State Legal Services Authority and the DLSA, Gyalshing, to ensuring access to justice for vulnerable persons, particularly those affected by natural disasters and other emergencies. The coordinated efforts of the legal services institutions and the concerned stakeholders reaffirmed their role in protecting the legal rights of affected persons and assisting them in accessing their lawful entitlements with dignity.
