Anurag Kumar
Prem Singh Tamang, the chief minister of Sikkim, raised concerns regarding the 1200 MW hydro power project’s quality on Friday. This comes days after flash floods in the Teesta river in the Chungthang region of the state devastated the dam.
During the 25-year rule of the Sikkim Democratic Front, commanded by Pawan Chamling, which lasted until 2019, the structure was constructed. The state government’s stake in the initiative is 60.08 percent.
Teesta Urja, the second largest run-of-the-river hydro power project in India, washed away on the intervening nights of Tuesday and Wednesday as a result of flooding induced by the breach in Lhonak lake in north-west Sikkim.
Located between Chungthang and Mangan in the Mangan district of north Sikkim, the 1,200 MW power project on the Teesta river, one of the most obstructed rivers in the country, is the largest of nine operational hydro projects on the river in Sikkim. Currently, construction is underway on 15 dams, and an additional 28 are planned to span the river in order to harness its approximately 4,200 MW of hydropower capacity.
Tamang, speaking to the media on Friday in Rangpo, stated, “The dam’s devastation was due to substandard construction at the second largest hydroelectric project in India. This resulted in significant collateral damages.
Tamang, who had the opportunity to meet individuals impacted by the disaster, declared a gratuitous payment of 4 lakh rupees for the bereaved families.
“Although a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) occurred in north-west Sikkim, the dam failure caused more property damage.” “It was built below acceptable standards,” he stated.
Tamang stated that 19 carcasses have been recovered thus far and that 103 individuals remain unaccounted for. He estimated that as many as 25,000 people were impacted and 3500 were rescued from areas cut off by extensive road and bridge damage.
“The state government is receiving complete cooperation from the center,” Tamang continued. Additionally, the state government is making every effort to assist those afflicted. We are attempting to assist stranded tourists in northern Sikkim.”
In north Sikkim, an estimated 3000 visitors are still stranded.
“Efforts are being made to evacuate tourists from areas that are completely cut off, including Lachung and Lachen.” “Helicopters are unable to operate as a result of bad weather, and NDRF (national disaster response force) teams are awaiting flights to North Sikkim at Bagdogra airport in West Bengal,” he added.
The decision has been made by the state government to revoke tourist permits for destinations such as Tsomgo Lake and Nathula. Precautions have been implemented to conserve diesel and gasoline, which can subsequently be allocated towards rescue operations.
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Multiple locations along national highway number 10 (NH-10), which is the lifeblood of Sikkim, are damaged. Long detours are required for vehicles traveling between Sikkim and West Bengal via Lava in the Kalimpong district in order to enter or exit the disaster-affected areas.
