Minister visits Thangu Micro Hydel Project site

GANGTOK, 24 Aug [IPR]: Minister Science & Technology Department, Bhim Dhungel visited the 2 x 100 KW micro hydel project at Thangu , North Sikkim on 22 -23 August.
The 2 x 100 KW micro hydel project was sanctioned by the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India to the Sikkim State Council of Science & Technology. The project is being executed at Thangu at an altitude of around 14000 feet above mean sea level.
The project is being constructed by the Constructional and Power Generation Cooperative Society of Thangu, Lachen, North Sikkim while the technical back up is being provided by the Sikkim Power Development Corporation Limited (SPDCL)            .
The Minister during his visit was accompanied by Secretary, Department of Science and Technology (DST), PT Euthenpa, Additional Secretary, DST, Sarala Rai, Additional Director, State Council of S&T, DG Shrestha, Sr. Manager (Civil) SPDCL, Palchen D. Chakatha and members of the Constructional Society.
The team inspected all the under construction civil structures like de-silt tank, forebay tank, spill over channel and the power house. During the inspection, the Minister interacted with the technical expert and members of the Constructional Society and expressed his satisfaction over the progress and quality of work done.  He reiterated that the project being undertaken at the highest altitude in Sikkim, care must be taken at each stage and the quality maintained at all levels.
The Minister directed all concerned to complete the project without further loss of time. Since most of the pipes and machinery have already reached the site, he directed that the remaining civil work and electromechanical components be taken up simultaneously, so that the project, in all respects is completed by October 2012, the time prescribed by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.
On successful completion, the project shall have multiple benefits in the area. The generated electricity will not only ensure uninterrupted power supply to the local people and army but it will also reduce pressure on the forest resources for fuel wood. He further said that there is vast potential for tourism development in this belt and the development of the micro hydel project would certainly facilitate the overall growth of the region.
In the evening, the local gentry of Lachen led by the Pipon Chonduk Lachenpa called on the Minister and expressed their gratitude to the Government of Sikkim for implementing a number of tourism related projects at Chungthang-Lachen-Thangu area. They also assured the Minister that they would extend all possible cooperation for completion of the 2 x 100 KW micro hydel project at Thangu.
On his return from Lachen on 23 August, the Minister also visited the Angora breeding plant at Munsithang near Chungthang, the way side amenities at Bakthang and at Kabi North Sikkim.