Sunday, Jul 28, 2024 09:15 [IST]
Last Update: Sunday, Jul 28, 2024 03:40 [IST]
GANGTOK, : Chief Minister P.S. Golay today attended
the 9th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog at the Rashtrapati Bhavan
Cultural Centre in New Delhi. The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra
Modi and attended by NITI Aayog vice chairman Dr. Suman Berry, Union ministers,
Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors, centred on pressing national issues
and State-specific challenges.
During his address at the meeting, Chief
Minister Golay expressed concerns over the severe repercussions of the South
Lhonak Lake outburst on October 4, 2023 which led to the destruction of
Chungthang dam, the largest in Sikkim, and the Teesta III Hydro Power Project. “This project, a significant revenue source
with a generating capacity of 1,200 MW, saw a loss of nearly Rs. 14,000 crore
in assets and an annual revenue loss of Rs. 300-400 crore. I requested an
annual grant in lieu of the 12% free power from the project for ten years or
until its reconstruction is complete,” the Chief Minister wrote on Facebook.
Golay extended gratitude to Prime
Minister Modi for the prompt release of financial assistance from the National
Disaster Response Fund for immediate relief efforts. The Chief Minister said he
highlighted the Post Disaster Needs Assessment’s findings which determined that
Rs. 3,673 crore is required for comprehensive recovery and reconstruction. To
aid in this effort, Golay requested for a special grant to expedite the
restoration of critical infrastructure and livelihood support initiatives.
The Chief Minister added he also emphasized
the importance of NH10, the primary route connecting Sikkim with the rest of
India. “Frequent disruptions along NH10, exacerbated by climate change and
irregular rainfall patterns, have severely impacted Sikkim’s economy. I urged
the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to prioritize the restoration and
modernization of NH10, emphasizing its load-bearing capacity and overall
sustainability,” he added.
Additionally, Golay requested for the
establishment of a multi-modal corridor with a modern integrated check post
between Sikkim and Eastern Nepal through Chewa Bhanjyang. This initiative aims
to enhance cultural and economic ties and support national security interests.
The Chief Minister also highlighted
Sikkim’s developmental goals under the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, emphasizing
economic growth, environmental sustainability, human resource development and
good governance. He outlined five key areas for economic advancement in
alignment with the Viksit Bharat agenda, including improving youth
employability, developing Sikkim as a healthcare and wellness hub, implementing
innovative practices in agriculture and food processing, promoting tourism and
MSMEs and enhancing civic amenities and infrastructure.
“Sikkim aims to accelerate growth
through entrepreneurship, innovation and competitiveness, contributing
significantly to India's projected economic expansion,” Golay said.