Gangtok DC reviews monsoon damage at Martam Nazitam GPU

GANGTOK,: Gangtok DC Rohan Agawane Ramesh conducted a field inspection at Martam Nazitam GPU on Thursday to review public infrastructure, assess developmental requirements, and damages following continuous heavy rainfall.

The inspection at Martam Nazitam GPU was accompanied by the Joint Director, District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Gangtok, the Block Development Officer (BDO), Martam-Rumtek, concerned Area Panchayats, officials of DDMA, Gangtok, and officials from the Block Administrative Centre, Martam.

During the visit, the District Collector inspected key public institutions, including Yangthang Junior High School, Martam Primary Health Centre (PHC), and Tirkutam ICDS Centre. Interactions were held with the concerned officials and local stakeholders to assess the existing infrastructure and identify requirements for strengthening public service delivery and developmental facilities, a press release informs.

The District Collector directed the concerned departments to initiate necessary follow-up action, including the preparation of technical estimates and detailed reports wherever required, to facilitate the timely execution of identified developmental and maintenance works.

Subsequently, as per the directions of the District Collector, a joint inspection was conducted at the Doordarshan Kendra Guest House near Enchey Monastery by the Deputy Director, District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Gangtok, along with the DDMA team and Chandra Prakash Khelwar, Head of Office, Doordarshan Kendra, Gangtok, following the collapse of the retaining wall below the guest house.

The incident occurred at approximately 5:30 pm on July 15 due to continuous heavy rainfall, which resulted in the failure of the retaining wall supporting the slope below the guest house premises, the release mentions.

During the inspection, it was observed that the retaining wall had completely collapsed. The adjoining retaining wall has also developed signs of structural instability and remains under imminent threat of collapse, posing a potential risk to the nearby residential quarters and the guest house.

As an immediate precautionary measure, all occupants residing in the four affected residential quarters were safely evacuated and shifted to nearby accommodation. The guest house was also evacuated to ensure the safety of occupants. No casualties or injuries have been reported.

Preliminary assessment indicates that the continuous heavy rainfall has significantly weakened the slope protection structures, resulting in the collapse of the retaining wall. The adjoining retaining wall remains vulnerable and may fail if heavy rainfall persists.

The District Administration has directed that the affected area be cordoned off and public access restricted until the site is declared safe. A detailed technical assessment will be undertaken by the concerned engineering experts to evaluate the stability of the remaining retaining wall and adjoining slope. Based on the findings, immediate slope stabilization and restoration measures will be initiated.

Continuous monitoring of the site will also be carried out, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. The evacuated families will continue to remain in safer accommodation until the area is certified safe for reoccupation by the competent technical authority, the release mentions.