Namchi, May 6 (IPR):
Following an initiative by the Namchi Municipal Corporation, a coordination meeting to address key civic and infrastructure issues within Namchi Municipal area was convened under the chairmanship of the District Collector, today.
During the meeting, the District Collector, Ms Anupa Tamling, stressed the importance of inter-departmental coordination and directed all concerned departments to take immediate and time-bound action on the identified issues. She emphasized the need for prompt repair and maintenance of drains along major stretches such as Gangtok Road, Bhanjyang Road, Melli Road, and RDD Office Road, and instructed that regular cleaning of drains be ensured to prevent waterlogging, particularly in view of the ensuing monsoon season.
Deliberating on drainage concerns, it was highlighted that pipelines and GI pipes had been placed within drainage systems along certain stretches, including routes towards Gayzing and adjoining areas. The District Collector observed that drains are meant solely for the free flow of water and should not be obstructed or misused for pipeline installations. The Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) was directed to take necessary action based on complaints submitted by the Urban Development Department (UDD) and submit an action taken report. It was further directed that a circular be issued within a week, clearly stating that no pipeline laying shall be undertaken within NMC premises without obtaining mandatory No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the Roads & Bridges Department, Namchi Municipal Council (NMC), and UDD.
The DC also underscored the importance of adequate manpower deployment, particularly under the Safaimitra system, to strengthen sanitation and waste management efforts across the town.
With regard to urban maintenance, the District Collector directed the Municipal Council and concerned agencies to ensure regular sweeping of roads and immediate repair of damaged iron drain covers, especially in Namchi Bazaar, to ensure public safety. Taking serious note of the unregulated installation of cables by private telecom companies, particularly around Central Park, she instructed strict monitoring and enhanced coordination among departments to regulate such activities.
Reviewing the condition of roads in and around Namchi, the DC directed the concerned departments to undertake necessary repair works on priority, particularly along stretches from DAC Dara towards the RDD Office and from Samdruptse Hotel towards Surya Sales Agency. She also instructed authorities to initiate action for the removal of off-road and abandoned vehicles from roadsides to ease traffic congestion and improve public convenience.
Additionally, with regard to parking management, it was directed that contractors allotted parking premises must ensure proper cleaning and maintenance of the allotted areas. The same criteria and conditions are to be clearly specified during the allotment process to ensure accountability and uniform implementation.
The meeting was attended by SDM (HQ) Mr Nim Pintso Bhutia, ASP Namchi Mr Mani Kumar Tamang, officials from various line departments, including Roads & Bridges, Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), Urban Development Department and Power Department.