Alternative water supply project planned at Rongchu worth Rs 90 crores
Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, June 30: The State Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department and Transport Minister TT Bhutia along with officials from the Department today visited Ratey Chu, source of water supply for the Gangtok town, located 20 km from here.
He was accompanied by the Secretary PS Basnet, Additional Chief Engineer TB Gurung, Superintendent Engineer Shital Pradhan, Divisional Engineer Lakpa Sherpa, Assistant Engineer Zangpo Bhutia, Junior Engineer KB Karki and other officials.
Led by the Minister, the team trekked all the way to reach the spot. The team inspected the ongoing restoration work of the 200 feett semi permanent wall at Rathey Chu. Mr Bhutia also interacted with the workers on the progress of the work.
The water supply pipes, which were washed away by the landslides that occurred on March 7 earlier this year, have been temporarily restored to ensure the continuous water supply for the Gangtokians.
While interacting with the reporters on the spot, the Secretary said the construction of the semi permanent wall would be completed within two months of time. He added that the greatest problem with the department is the unavailability of the workers.
“Presently, 85 workers have been deployed for the construction purpose,” the secretary said adding that a total of six high density poly ethylene pipes have been laid for the water supply along with the alternative water tapings in case of emergencies.
The Secretary further informed that alternative water supply project would be started at Rongchu, near Tsomgo Lake at a total cost of Rs 90 crores. “We have already submitted the detailed project report to the Ministry of Urban Development and is awaiting their reply,” the secretary added.
Another water supply proposal worth Rs 100 crore at Ranka, Lower Rumtek, Luing, Marchak has already been submitted to DONER, Mr Basnet further said.
In the meantime, the State PHE minister urged the people to use the water judiciously. Happy with how the department has been working for the restoration work, Mr. Bhutia assured to regularize 18 casual workers working at Ratey Chu.
