Thursday, Oct 08, 2026 10:15 [IST]
Last Update: Thursday, Oct 08, 2026 04:43 [IST]
Soreng, (IPR):
Relief Commissioner cum Commissioner cum Secretary, Land Revenue & Disaster
Management Department (LR&DMD), Government of Sikkim, Mingma T Sherpa,
along with members of the Tunnel Monitoring Committee, conducted a joint site
inspection of the Reshi Road Tunnel at Reshi, Soreng today. The inspection was
aimed at assessing the present condition of the tunnel, reviewing ongoing and
pending works, and examining safety and precautionary measures required for the
convenience and protection of the public.
During
the inspection, Relief Commissioner cum Commissioner cum Secretary,
(LR&DMD) Mingma T Sherpa held detailed discussions with the concerned
officials on various technical and safety-related aspects of the tunnel. He
sought clarification on the precautionary measures, safety protocols and
guidelines being followed by NHPC and emphasised the need for proper compliance
with the prescribed safety standards. He directed the concerned authorities to
submit all relevant technical and other documents to his office for examination
and further necessary action. He also proposed the constitution of a
sub-committee to facilitate regular monitoring, assessment and coordination
regarding the tunnel.
DC
Soreng Dhiraj Subedi raised several issues concerning the pending works at the
tunnel and highlighted matters directly affecting the safety and convenience of
students, local residents and other road users. He particularly raised the need
for proper completion and maintenance of the drainage system and provision of a
safe pedestrian walkway through the tunnel. He stressed the importance of
taking necessary measures to ensure that the movement of pedestrians and
vehicles remains safe and convenient.
Members
of the Reshi Tunnel Monitoring Committee conducted a detailed assessment of the
present condition of the tunnel and sought information from the NHPC officials
regarding its structural condition, maintenance, rehabilitation requirements
and other safety-related concerns. The members also put forth suggestions and
recommendations to the NHPC, Rangit Stage IV HE Project, with emphasis on
strengthening safety measures, timely completion of pending works and ensuring
public convenience.
During the inspection, DGM-HRT, Rangit Stage
IV HE Project, RM Sahoo, made a detailed PowerPoint presentation on the present
status of the Reshi Road Tunnel. The presentation also covered the Diversion
Road Tunnel along SH-22/NH510 near the dam site at Reshi, recommendations for
rehabilitation treatment, major construction equipment required, and the
estimated requirements for repair and upgradation of the Diversion Road Tunnel.
The presentation provided the committee with an overview of the existing
conditions, proposed interventions and technical requirements associated with
the tunnel infrastructure.
The inspection provided an opportunity for the
concerned departments, technical experts, disaster management authorities and
NHPC officials to jointly assess the issues associated with the tunnel and
discuss coordinated measures for addressing the same. The authorities
emphasised the need for continued monitoring, timely execution of remedial
works and adherence to safety protocols to ensure the long-term safety and
functionality of the tunnel.
The
inspection was attended by Principal Director, Mines and Geology Department PT
Bhutia, Director, Geological Survey of India Prashant T Ilamkar, Consultant
(R&B) OP Sharma, DC Soreng Dhiraj Subedi, ADC Soreng DR Bista,
Sub-Divisional Magistrates of Geyzing and Mangalbaria, DPO (LR&DMD) Rajani
Pega, General Manager and Head of Project, NHPC, SP Lal, Tunnel Expert Karma C
Lepcha, members of the Reshi Road Tunnel Monitoring Committee, and officials
from the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority and Soreng District
Disaster Management Authority.
