Pakyong, September 01 (IPR): The District Level Monitoring Committee of Pakyong District, led by Additional District Collector (Headquarter), Mr Sabindra Rai, conducted its bimonthly inspection of Madhya Bharat Power Corporation Limited (MBPCL) at Rangpo today.
The inspection was aimed at reviewing the safety mechanisms and preparedness measures in place to minimise risks to public safety and property.
The inspection commenced with a meeting at the power house, where the committee reviewed the measures undertaken following the previous inspection. MBPCL officials thereafter briefed the committee on the status of project operations and the safety measures being implemented at the plant.
The officials provided an overview of the Flood Monitoring Sensor and siren network installed under the Rongnichu Hydroelectric Project. The committee was briefed on the monitoring and operational procedures, including data collection, monitoring and analysis, alert levels, dissemination of alerts, response mechanisms and post-event actions.
The officials also apprised the committee of the Early Warning System and the locations of sensors installed at various points. The committee was informed that water levels are regularly monitored as part of the project's safety and preparedness measures.
It was further informed that a dedicated team from MBPCL conducts checks every fifteen days to ensure the proper functioning of the siren system. The officials also stated that awareness programmes are conducted annually before the onset of the monsoon to sensitise the local community about the siren system and other safety measures. Regular inspections are also conducted to check for any signs of water leakage and other safety-related concerns.
Discussions were also held on the coverage of the siren network, including the villages and population covered under the system.
During the inspection, ADC (HQ), Mr Sabindra Rai sought details regarding risk-prone points at different locations and information pertaining to the tunnels and other areas associated with the project.
The committee subsequently inspected various areas of the power house, including the switchgear room and turbine floor, and reviewed the fire safety arrangements in place. The Early Warning System was also tested during the inspection to verify its functioning and audibility.
The inspection was attended by SDM, Rangpo, Ms Sujata Subba; Joint Director, Mines and Geology, Mr Passang Sherpa; DPO Pakyong, Mr TR Chettri; AE, Water Resources Department, Ms Rinchen Tamang; BDO Duga, Mr Chopel Bhutia; RO, Forest Department, Mr Krishna Dahal; O/C, Fire and Emergency Service, Mr Lako D Lepcha and JE, Power Department, Mr Nikhil Sundas.
Report from DIO Pakyong