Sikkim CM directs speedy flood damage repairs

Pawan Chamling orders to ensure all essential commodities provided to the people by special arrangements. 

Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling has directed all departmental heads to carry out restoration works of flood damages on a war footing. He also said if the need arises additional funds can be roped in from Natural Calamity Fund.

He asked the officers to ensure that all essential commodities including petrol, rice, LPG, medicines, safe drinking water are provided to the people by special arrangements. The Chief Minister was addressing a review meeting held at Tashiling Secretariat and attended by heads of departments.

The meeting was held to review the landslides situation, relief measures and to speed up the restoration of Highways including National Highway 31 A.

The Chief Minister asked the concerned departments to work out plans to conserve catchment areas and protect sliding zones. He further cautioned the PHE department to provide safe drinking water and maintain the sewerage system to prevent outbreak of epidemics in affected areas.

Officials have also been advised to evacuate houses situated in landslide prone areas and make proper arrangements for rehabilitation of the affected people. The meeting while updating the present situation informed that there is no shortage of essential commodities in the State.

PMO to meet with Sikkim officials

Prime Minister’s Office has convened a meeting with Sikkim government officials to discuss measures for maintaining NH 31A, the state’s sole road link with the rest of the country.

The Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister will meet Sikkim Chief Secretary N D Chingappa and officials of other departments and the Border Roads Organisation at the PMO to work out measures for proper maintenance of the highway.

The Sikkim government will seek financial aid from the Centre to repair houses and other infrastructure that were damaged across the state recently by incessant rains and landslides, they said.

Chief Minister Pawan Chamling had written to the Prime Minister last week, apprising him of the ‘poor’ maintenance of NH-31A by the BRO that had led to the state being cut off from the rest of the country for over a week after a spate of landslides since August 27 blocked the vital road. Mr. Chamling sought the PM’s intervention for the speedy repair of the highway as the snapping of the road link had resulted in a shortage of essential commodities, including petroleum products, and caused hardship to the people.

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