Power Minister treks to Tholung to assess progress of restoration work at monastery and pathway

MANGAN, 02 Sept: Dzongu MLA, Power Minister Sonam Gyatso Lepcha, was on a three-day tour to Tholung which falls under Bey ward of Sakyong-Pentong GPU in Upper Dzongu, North Sikkim in order to take stock of the progress of restoration of the damaged pathway from Bey to Tholung and damages to the Tholung monastery caused by last year’s earthquake.
The Minister started his tour on foot on 30 August from Salim-Pakel to the CWC bridge near Passingdang and then onwards from 10th Mile Lingzya to Tholung via Bey crossing more than 15 landslides and a section where a log bridge has also been washed out. The entourage returned to Mangan on 01 Sept.
The Minister also visited the “Thigang”, a sacred spot an hour and a half trek from Tholung and offered prayers there.
The panchayat and public of Bey placed a demand petition to the Minister regarding the fencing of Tholung Gumpa compound and the provision for installation of solar light at the Gumpa premises.
Later, while speaking to NOW!, the Minister said that the path to Tholung from Bey will be upgraded with permanent log bridges across different kholas and nalas which have been washed out by landslides after last year’s earthquake for the convenience of the devotees and local people.
On restoration of the Tholung Monastery, the Minister said that work will begin after the report of the technical experts and engineers from the concerned department which will also determine whether renovation or reconstruction needs to be undertaken. He also informed that priority will be given to the genuine demands placed by the people.
The Minister also expressed his satisfaction over the progress of work of Khamsel Lhakang for which an initial amount of Rs. 1 crore was sanctioned. Here, he said that the construction work amounting to the sanctioned amount has been carried out so far. He also interacted with the Gumpa Committee.
The Minister was accompanied by panchayat secretary Bey ward, Nima Lepcha, panchayat vice president Sakyong-Pentong GPU, Phurba Lepcha, panchayat secretary Lum/Gor/Sangtok, Tshering Gyatso Lepcha, panchayat members Topgay Lepcha, Dawa Lepcha and Nimket Lepha along with youth.