Landslide damages power substations at Middle Sichey, repairs to take till Wednesday evening

GANGTOK, 02 May: Three distribution sub-stations along with the High Tension [HT] and Low Tension [LT] lines at Middle Sichey on Indira Byepass here were damaged in a landslide triggered by Sunday evening rainfall. As a result, the areas of Upper Sichey, Middle Sichey and Lower Sichey have been without power supply since last night. As things stand, power supply to the affected area will be restored only by Wednesday evening.
The landslide damaged the protection wall of the sub-stations and the posts carrying the HT and LT lines and it has also feared that the transformer might also have been damaged.
Power Department personnel rushed to the spot and started restoration works early this morning.
It was informed that the lines are likely to be restored by Wednesday evening if the work is not disrupted by more rainfall.

Superintending Engineer, KK Gazmer, Divisional Engineer, KS Chettri and Assistant Engineers, Bhim Thapa and M Sherpa, of the Power Department were at the spot since morning to oversee the restoration works.  
The spot was also visited by Chief Engineer, GT Targain, who directed his officials and workers to work on a war-footing for the immediate restoration of the lines. The spot was also visited by the area councilor, Nilu Chettri.
The Assistant Engineer, Mr Thapa, confirmed that substantial damage has been caused.
He informed that the department has also hired extra manpower to expedite the restoration works.
The Superintending Engineer, Mr Gazmer, informed that only temporary restoration is being undertaken because the department is looking for another site to shift sub-stations for a permanent restoration.
It was also informed that the department has already informed the District Collector and Sub Divisional Magistrate about the incident and has taken approval for the immediate restoration.
The Power Department has expressed its regrets to the people of the affected areas and appealed to them to cooperate with the department till the completion of restoration works.