CM directs permanent restoration works to begin within a week

CHIEF MINISTER’S NORTH SIKKIM TOUR
GANGTOK, 30 Oct: The CM during his tour of the affected areas of North Sikkim stated that permanent restoration works would soon begin in the area. So far temporary restoration works were only being undertaken but now with the situation returning to normal the restoration works would be permanent. He further expressed that such work should start within one week’s time. 
On the issue of power projects it was stated by the CM that only 9 out of proposed 32 power projects in the state were presently under development. He reiterated that earthquakes were a natural phenomenon and had no relation to the power projecs in the region. In this regard he reminded the people that Sikkim only had its natural resources which could be utilized as a source of income. 
He further added that after 35 years all the land acquired by the project developers will be returned back to the land owners and also said that all the power projects will be handed over to the state government.  He reminded the people that only 12 % land in the state was cultivable with the rest all barren or forest land. He also appealed to all the people to that there should be sense of belonging and a sense of responsibility. 
An interesting point made by the CM here was that people’s participation has been zero. He urged the panchayats on the proper distribution of relief money and directed that the utilisation report had to be maintained properly. Sanctioning various development related demands placed by the people he said that the government has come to the door of the people and they should similarly reciprocate.
Starting his north Sikkim tour of the earthquake affected areas on 25 October with Namok-Swayem GPU of Dzongu constituency at Eklavya Model Residential School the CM sanctioned the demands placed by the public giving priority to genuine cases.
He assured that every damaged monastery would be reconstructed and those which can be repaired, would be repaired for the preservation of old structures. Incidentally, many old monasteries in north Sikkim were damaged in the earthquake. The sanctioned projects in the area relate to the construction of CC footpath, provision of drinking water supply etc. The CM also handed over Rs 1 Lakh as a token to Eklavya Model Residential School. 
During his tour of the region here the CM also laid the foundation stone of the proposed 600 meters Theng Tunnel at Theng on the Chungthang-Mangan highway which will be constructed by 86 RCC BRO in collaboration with Sikkim Power Development Corporation.
While delivering his speech at Mangan, the chief minister said that there should be contribution from everyone to make a better Sikkim. The government, he said, had contributed to the maintenance of peace and security in the state as well as in building the image of Sikkim. On the issue of development of north Sikkim the CM said that the people themselves should know as to how to develop the district. He further informed the people that all new houses  including monasteries which were required to be reconstructed would be done so with earthquake resistant technology.
He further added that the North Sikkim should upgraded more in the field of tourism for which it will be one of the source of income for the people and urged to make better use of the resources.  The chief minister sanctioned the demands placed by the public and assured to take up on priority basis. 
At Shipgyer the CM sanctioned the construction of Ship Monastery which suffered major damages due to the 18 September Earthquake. He also sanctioned the construction of Ramom Monastery and informed the people especially the monk body that the new structures would be constructed using earthquake resistant technology. He also announced the rehabilitation of 14 houses which had collapsed with the provision of Horticulture land for the 14 families and also announced 64 houses to be constructed with new RCC structures of one storey.  Apart from these the different other demands inlcuding construction of guest house at Ramom, construction of Shipgyer JHS, construction of helipad at Shipgyer etc. placed by the public were also sanctioned with the CM directing the concerned department for the preparation of DPRs.  All in all 15 thousand houses are targeted to be replaced with pukka structures by 2013,
At Mangan community Hall complex a meeting was held for the three Gram Panchayat Units of Lachen-Mangan constituency.   People submitted the different demands to the chief minister which were all sanctioned by him.