Golay highlights Sikkim’s post-disaster needs and development goals at NITI Aayog meeting

Sunday, Jul 28, 2024 09:15 [IST]

Last Update: Sunday, Jul 28, 2024 03:40 [IST]

Golay highlights Sikkim’s post-disaster needs and development goals at NITI Aayog meeting

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.   

Sikkim at a Glance

  • Area: 7096 Sq Kms
  • Capital: Gangtok
  • Altitude: 5,840 ft
  • Population: 6.10 Lakhs
  • Topography: Hilly terrain elevation from 600 to over 28,509 ft above sea level
  • Climate:
  • Summer: Min- 13°C - Max 21°C
  • Winter: Min- 0.48°C - Max 13°C
  • Rainfall: 325 cms per annum
  • Language Spoken: Nepali, Bhutia, Lepcha, Tibetan, English, Hindi