CS checks on earthquake repairs at Labrang Monastery

MANGAN, 12 Nov: Chief Secretary R Ongmu visited the Labrang Monastery above Phodong in North Sikkim today accompanied by Development Commissioner Deki Ethenpa, and the Secretaries of various departments including Ecclesiastical Affairs, Tourism, Road & Bridges, Chief Engineer Building and other officials.
During her visit the Chief Secretary took stock of the progress of ongoing repair works at Labrang Monastery which was severely damaged in the September 2011 earthquake.
Chief Engineer [Buildings] cum committee member, RD Bhutia explained the details of the work in progress. The Chief Minister had sanctioned Rs 1 crore from the earthquake relief fund for repair works of the monastery. The sanctioned amount has been utilized for major retrofitting work and is on the verge of completion.
The Tsultrimpha of the Monastery, Champa Lendup requested for the sanction of revised amount for the completion of the repair works which is amounting to Rs. 75 lakh, the estimates of which have already been submitted to the Ecclesiastical Affairs department.
Responding to the request of the Tsultrimpha and the committee, the CS said that she will discuss the matter with the Chief Minister.
The Secretary Tourism, C Zangpo also presented the blue print plan for the beautification of Labrang Monastery premises where the CS advised that the Thasap (wooden house for the lamas) be shifted to space behind the monastery so that there is ample space in front of the monastery.
Further, the CS also and other officials also offered prayers at the monastery.
It may be mentioned here that the Labrang monastery was established in the year 1826 when the capital of Sikkim was shifted to Tumlong from Rabdentse. The monastery was completed in 1844 initiated by the Gyaltsen Ringzing Chepo, King Tsuphud Namgyal’s son from his second wife.