CS takes stock of windstorm damages in North Sikkim

GANGTOK, 19 Dec: During her two-day tour to North Sikkim, the Chief Secretary, R Ongmu also took stock of damages caused by the windstorm on 15 December.
In a meeting organized with all departmental officers at the Zilla Bhawan on Wednesday afternoon, the Chief Secretary asked all department representatives to give a detailed report of the wind storm disaster and restoration works along with fund estimates.
Power department representative, gave details of power transmission damages and informed that estimated fund required for restoring the 11 KV transmission line is Rs 86 lakh. He informed that in North district, Lachen village, parts of Upper-Singhik ward, Ringhem ward have been blacked out and the department staffs are trying their best to restore supply at the earliest. At Kabi, Phensong and Penlong power supply lines will be restored by 28 December, he informed.
The PHE representative informed that the water supply lines of Mangan block have been affected and will be restored soon. It was informed that the department needs Rs 45 lakh for the restoration work. Roads & Bridges representative informed that at least Rs.9 crore is required for restoration and up-gradation of PWD roads of different areas in the district.
RM&DD representative informed that the department needs Rs 10 lakh for restoration of damaged PMGSY roads.
Building & Housing department representative informed that the District Collector’s residence has suffered major damages while police quarters, building and PHE quarters have been partially damaged. It was informed that Rs 20 lakh is required for all restoration work. The DC North’s residence will be restored within a month as work has started, it was added.
ACF, Forest department, informed that as per survey a total of 153 trees have to be removed from residential areas of North district and 28 trees have to be removed at Chungthang division at the earliest. The Chief Secretary directed the Forest department to carry out the job at the earliest in coordination with District Collector. She suggested that trees that pose a threat in Namok village should also be removed.
Joint Director, HRDD (N), informed that Phodong SS and Mangan SSS have sustained damages and the department needs Rs 53 lakh for restoration work. He also requested for the appointment of post graduate teachers for several North district senior secondary schools before the new session starts in 2014.
SDM, Chungthang informed that 5 houses at Chungthang and 8 houses at Lachen have been damaged, out of which 2 have been severely damaged. Horticulture department representative informed the Chief Secretary that as per reports from the Panchayat and field staff, crops have also been damaged in the district and around Rs 13 lakh will be required to compensate farmers. Green house damages are still being verified and the report will be submitted soon, it was informed.

CS completes two-day inspection tour of North Sikkim

MANGAN, 19 Dec:  Chief Secretary, R Ongmu, today visited Meyong Chu Power Project in North Sikkim and took stock of the restoration works. The CS was on a two-day tour to North Sikkim. She directed the BRO to clear the approach road to Meyong project as soon as possible or construct an alternate route.
The main purpose of her visit was to inspect road conditions, take stock of implementation of government schemes, inspect the status of under construction power project and restoration of damages caused by the windstorm on 15 December.
The CS also visited the Saffo monastery where she offered prayers and interacted with the local people. The public and panchayat placed demands relating to the construction of Mani Lhakang, kitchen and accommodation for devotees. The CS in turn has assured that their demands will be placed to the government.
Ms Ongmu also visited the Adit-V tunnel of 1200 MW Teesta Urja power project where the managing director, Teesta Urja Ltd, SK Agarwal briefed her about the project. She travelled to Chunthang via the tunnel and inspected the Dam of Teesta Urja.
In a meeting with panchayats and the Sub-divisional officials of Chungthang, the panchayat and public requested the CS for provision of free electricity since they have contributed in the construction of the power project.
The CS directed the DC North to ensure the completion of all ongoing schemes as soon as possible. Ms Ongmu also visited the under construction Chatten Mini Hydel Power Project site and directed officials to sort out all problems as soon as possible.
On the first day of her tour to North district, the Chief Secretary asked the Chief Engineer, GREF to ensure proper maintenance of the North Sikkim highway. GREF presented details of future plans for Gangtok-Mangan highway widening and construction of new bridges in North district.
During a meeting in the afternoon with departmental staff, the CS was informed by ADC (Development), Chungthang, of the requirement for more staff and a department vehicle at the earliest. ADC, Mangan and SDM Chungthang division also need a vehicle each, she was informed.
CDPO, Mangan informed that total number of ICDS centres sanctioned in North is 56 out of which 41 have been completed and others are under progress.
BDO, Mangan BAC, informed that the BAC needs maintenance work and one vehicle for field visits to monitor REDRH and CMRHM schemes.

After the meeting, the CS inspected the Teesta Urja Tunnel at Ringdang where Chairman, KN Bhutia, presented the future plan of Teesta Urja along with its CSR activities in a power point presentation.
The CS was accompanied by PB Subba [Secretary Power Department], R Rajalim [Secretary Roads & Bridges], KN Bhutia[Retired Secretary], CP Dhakal, [District Collector, North], RD Bhutia [Chief Engineer Buildings department], SS Poudwal [Chief Engineer, GREF] along with all government department officers of North district.