North District administration inspects Dikchu

MANGAN, 19 Oct:  A joint inspection was conducted today of Dikchu New Market, North Sikkim by a team headed by SDM Mangan, BK Lama, NHPC representatives headed by Sr Manager [Dam], Rajappan K, and the affected people of New Market and Pheedang, Lower Dzongu, North Sikkim.
The joint inspection was conducted on the request by the people of New Dikchu and Pheedang concerning a landslide near the base of the Dikchu New Market into the Stage-V reservoir which poses a threat to life and property. It may be mentioned here that the base of the market needs proper protective rim treatment as soon as possible.
The inspection team visited all the affected areas of the reservoir and took note of damages.  During the visit the affected people informed that around 20 feet of private land holdings have been washed away by the slides that occurred at the base of the Market which poses a threat to several houses situated right above it.
The SDM informed that the report will be submitted to the DC North and further necessary action will be taken.  However, the SDM informed that the Irrigation department will be directed to take up preventive measures regarding the slide at the jhora located at the market.  The inspection team also visited the damaged Merry Kids School building and other houses situated right above the reservoir.
The affected people have requested necessary steps to be taken by the NHPC immediately. Mr. Rajappan informed that protective work cannot be undertaken in such situation unless the water level of the reservoir is lowered and added that necessary steps will be taken as per the requirement once the feasibility report is submitted to the head of the project.
The SDM also visited damaged houses at Pheedang in Lower Dzongu where he visited the damaged house of Gyan Ongrub Lepcha whose house has suffered major damages.  Mr. Lepcha informed that his house which is a two storey RCC structure had already developed several cracks and after the 18 September earthquake the first floor of his building was severely damaged where all the partition and posts have collapsed.
At present, his family has been shifted to an ekra house attached to his building.
Later, while speaking to NOW! Mr. Lepcha informed that his private land at the base of the reservoir has also suffered damaged and said that NHPC should at least undertake action to protect his house and land which is his ancestral property which he is not willing to lose at any cost.