Engineers deputed to inspect structural strength of buildings

GANGTOK, 24 Sept: The State Government today appointed a team of engineers to inspect buildings in Gangtok, Ranipool and Rangpo and advice house-owners on the structural health of their homes and recommend repair, renovation or demolition as the condition might require. This in response to the extensive damage caused to structures by the earthquake of 18 September.
The Office Order issued by the DC, East, today, directs the appointed engineers to submit a detailed report on houses inspected by them and advice given, to the District Control Room at MG Marg by 6 p.m. every day.
While engineers and architects of the UD&HD had begun inspecting buildings in and around Gangtok on 19 September itself, with the latest development, the team has been reinforced with more civil engineers.

The earthquake of 18 September has obviously endangered several buildings and in a crowded construction-scape like Gangtok’s, it is never only one building which is at risk. The Baluwakhani incident of Friday night for example has rendered five buildings inhabitable. It was one structure which was unstable to begin with and last night it pushed over its neighbouring structure and has imperilled more.
A similar fear is being voiced by residents of Development Area with regard to the Himalchuli building on NH 31A above. This building was evacuated after the Sunday earthquake when inspecting engineers found it to be structurally vulnerable. Warning signs have been posted around the complex, but some residents while speaking to NOW! today, rattled by the Baluwakhani episode, have demanded that the demolition be carried out post haste to avoid any collateral damage like was suffered at Baluwakhani.
Meanwhile the team of engineers are scheduled to begin their inspection from Sunday onwards.
The engineers deputed to check on building health:

Engineer in-charge	Wards allotted	Contact phone
Mr. Anil Chettri, AE, UD&HD	Tadong, Daragaon	90028-52120, 94343-84589
Mr. Nair, DE, UD&HD	Shyari, Ranipul	95939-75666
Mr. Yadunath, DE, UD&HD	Singtam, Rangpo	94341-03194
Mr. CK Pradhan, DE	Burtuk, Chandmari	94341-79021
Mr. Songden Lepcha, AE	Lal Market, MG Marg, Tibet Road	94341-17298
Mr. Raju Tamang, AE, UD&HD	DPH and Development Area	94745-30718
Ms. Devika Sharma, Addl Chief Town Planner, UD&HD		93320-65000
TEAM 1	Arithang, Upper MG Marg
TEAM 2	Lower & Upper Sichey