Second Tourist Death In Sandakphu Sparks Health Check Demand

A second tourist has died within a month in Sandakphu, raising major safety concerns in the region. Tourism organizations are now demanding mandatory health checks for all travelers visiting the popular destination.

Tourist Falls Ill During Trip

Bubai Pal, a 48-year-old resident of Barasat in North 24 Parganas, died during his family trip. He reached Manebhanjan from New Jalpaiguri Station on October 18 with five family members. After staying in Sandakphu, the family reached Tumling on October 20, where he suddenly suffered from breathing difficulties and his condition worsened. He was taken to health centers in Manebhanjan and Sukhiapokhri, where doctors declared him dead.

Administration And Prior Incidents

Darjeeling District Magistrate Harishankar Panicker stated that the body was handed over to the family after post-mortem. The administration also arranged to transport the body back to Barasat, while the exact cause of death will be confirmed after the post-mortem report arrives. Earlier on September 30, a 28-year-old tourist from Tufanganj, Priyotosh Adhikari, also died due to breathing issues and low oxygen levels during his Sandakphu trip.

Demand For Mandatory Health Checks

Tourism groups have strongly demanded compulsory medical screenings for Sandakphu tourists, similar to the rules for the Amarnath Yatra. They pointed out that rapid vehicle ascents and lack of timely medical help or ambulances increase risks for visitors, urging the administration to take immediate safety measures.