Sunday, Jun 16, 2024 09:45 [IST]
Last Update: Sunday, Jun 16, 2024 04:09 [IST]
GANGTOK,: Chief Minister PS Golay has urged the Centre to bring the Rangpo-Sevoke stretch of NH 10 under the National Highways Authority of India, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways.
Presently the Rangpo-Sevoke stretch of NH 10 spanning about 71 km is under the Public Works Department of West Bengal. The 40-odd km stretch of Rangpo to Gangtok on Sikkim side is maintained by the NHIDCL, a Government of India undertaking.
Since Friday, the highway is closed for vehicular movement to repair the damages caused at various locations by the recent heavy rains.
Speaking to media at Melli, the Chief Minister said he had spoken about the NH 10 condition with Union ministers Amit Shah and JP Nadda during a programme at Itanagar on June 13. He highlighted the strategic importance of having an undisrupted highway considering Sikkim is a border State.
“Some problem is there between Sevoke and Rangpo, the stretch comes under West Bengal government and not under National Highways (authority). We have already said to the Centre that if this stretch also comes under the National Highways then it will be more convenient for us,” he said.
“At present, it is under Bengal government but funding is coming from the Government of India. Sometimes we do not get the desired support on occasions and I urge the Centre that the Sevoke to Rangpo stretch be brought under National Highways, Government of India. It will be convenient for us as we have already given the Rangpo to Gangtok stretch (of NH 10) to National Highways and it is not under the State government,” said Golay.
NH 10, the lifeline of Sikkim, is blocked regularly every monsoon due to slides and subsidence. The highway blockage is feared to aggravate this monsoon with rising water levels of Teesta River following the flash flood of October 2023.
The Chief Minister took stock of the damage caused by the incessant rainfall and the flooding of several areas in Melli town due to the rising level of the Teesta River.
During his Melli visit, the Chief Minister interacted with the concerned officials who provided detailed reports on the extent of the damage and the ongoing relief efforts. He also spoke with the local residents to understand their immediate needs and concerns.
“I instructed the officials to conduct a thorough assessment of the damages and to prioritize swift relief measures for the affected residents. Furthermore, I appealed to the local population to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to safeguard themselves and their families and assured them that the State government is fully committed to providing all necessary support and resources to help them recover and rebuild,” shared the Chief Minister.