Cost of stabilising failed slopes pegged at Rs. 35.50 crore

GOVT ENDORSES MITIGATION MEASURES RECOMMENDED BY MINES & GEOLOGY DEPTT
GANGTOK, 28 Nov: The State government, through the Mines and Geology Department, has decided to undertake a number of appropriate mitigation measures for landslides that may be triggered on slopes weakened by the 18 September Earthquake. Several of the mitigation measures decided upon by the government were also submitted to the Central government through the Ministry of Home Affairs in the month of October, it is learnt.

Stability drastically degraded, future threats present major challenges

MINES & GEOLOGY DEPT SUBMITS REPORT ON IMPACT OF EARTHQUAKE ON SIKKIM’S LAND AND ROCK MASS
STUDY OF 150 EARTHQUAKE-INDUCED SLIDES FLAGS 12 FOR URGENT ATTENTION AND RECOMMENDS LONGTERM MEASURES FOR ANOTHER 32
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS PLANS SHOULD SEEK OUT LOCAL INPUTS

GANGTOK, 27 Nov: With more than 150 landslides triggered off all over the State by the 18 September Earthquake, there is now genuine concern over the stability of the soil and rock formations and whether they will be able to withstand the next monsoon. Concern over the safety and security of life and property in the coming seasons has become a top priority with the State government now with the Mines & Geology Department reporting that there are likely to be numerous slides next monsoon as the slopes and hill sides have been destabilized and considerably weakened by the impact of the earthquake. Not just landslides, there is also a threat of glacial lake outbursts in North Sikkim.

Govt gets serious about taking Mines & Geology Deptt advice seriously

CM DIRECTS SECY TO STRENGTHEN DEPARTMENTAL EXPERTISE AND INFRASTRUCTURE
GANGTOK, 20 Oct: Recognising the important role such a department will play in the post-Earthquake rebuilding efforts in the State, Chief Minister Pawan Chamling has instructed the as the Mines & Geology Department officials to strengthen and improve the department. With Sikkim sitting in an earthquake prone zone, technical and expert studies, opinions and suggestions on how to go about construction and development projects in the State is vital for future safety and security of structures as well as for the public.