State Planning Commission takes stock of earthquake impact on roads, bridges and power

GANGTOK, 10 Jan [IPR]: Deputy Chairman, State Planning Commission, SM Limboo chaired a meeting of the State Planning Commission in which Development Commissioner, AK Yadav and officers of the Development Planning, Economic Reforms and North Eastern Council Affairs Department (DPER&NECA) were present along with officers of the Energy and Power Department and Roads and Bridges Department. The meeting was held in the conference hall of the new Secretariat organized and facilitated by the DPER&NECA on 05 January 2012.

The officers of the Energy and Power Department briefed the Deputy Chairman and Members of the State Planning Commission on the status of power projects in the state in the aftermath of the 18 September earthquake. Field visits to the damaged power stations by members of the State Planning Commission have also been planned.
The meeting also discussed how the department is going about achieving targets set in the State’s Energy Mission. The ways and means for reviving the old State Power Generating Units were also discussed. The State Planning Commission Members showed concern regarding the revenue generation and power trading aspects, which needs further improvement.
The Deputy Chairman and Members of the State Planning Commission were also briefed by officers of the Roads and Bridges Department. The double laning of the State Highways and commencement of work on roads sanctioned during the CM’s district tours were also discussed.
The Deputy Chairman highlighted the importance of the road sector and connectivity in development and sustenance of the tourism industry. The need for security audit of all bridges in the state was also discussed.