IPR Sikkim

MP(Lok Sabha)Chairs Review Meeting on Water,Power and Telecom Connectivity to SSB Border Outposts and National Highway Works in Gyalshing District

Gyalshing,March 6(IPR): A review meeting to deliberate on issues relating to Water, Power and Telecom connectivity to Border Outposts (BOPs) of the Sashastra Seema Bal (36th and 72nd Battalions SSB) and the progress of National Highway works being executed by the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) in the district was held at the Conference Hall, DAC Gyalshing,today.

The meeting was chaired by Dr Indra Hang Subba, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), in the presence of Mr Tenzing D Denzongpa, District Collector-cum-District Magistrate Gyalshing;Ms KSC Tongden Lepcha Additional Chief Engineer (ACE)Power; Mr Sanjeev Kumar Commandant 36Bn SSB Yangtey;Mr Gopal Chettri Joint Secretary Commerce and Industries Deptt (Gangtok);Mr Jigme Tsewang Sharngoe DFO (T) Gyalshing; Ms Nisha Subba DFO (Wildlife);Ms Bhumika Rai DFO (KNP); Mr Uttam Basnett Divisional Engineer (Roads & Bridges); Mr Moses Pradhan DE Power (Dentam);Mr Nosang Limboo OSD to Hon'ble MP(LokSabha);Mr Narayan Ram Khadaw Second-in-Command 72 Bn SSB(Yuksam); Mr Meghnath Routh Deputy Commandant 72 Bn SSB(Yuksam); Mr DK Somkunwar AGM BSNL;Mr Naseer Ahmed Zargar Graduate Engineer NHIDCL ;Mr Suman Sharma PA to GM NHIDCL,along with officials from various departments.

The house discussed extensively on the provision of water supply connections for 36 Bn SSB. As informed a project of approximately 11 cr has been made for the water supply through PHED. A brief note was also discussed regarding electricity connectivity with emphasis on ensuring uninterrupted power supply in strategically significant locations. It was informed that a proposal of approximately 13cr has been forwarded for further works for electricity. The SSB personnel also emphasised on the need of forest and wildlife clearance for pole installation and allied works.

Further, the requirement of border road connectivity was reviewed in light of communications received. The proposal for the road from Uttarey to Chewabhanjang and from Chongri to Hashpokheri was discussed, highlighting the strategic and developmental importance of these routes in strengthening border infrastructure.

Further,demand for the construction of roads till pillar number thirty one connecting the BOPs was placed by the concerned SSB Personnel.

Mr Jigme Tsewang Sharngoe DFO(T) suggested that construction of new roads inside Reserved forest and Kanchendzonga National Park(KNP)area would be difficult and that the coverage and area should be inspected first. He then asked the SSB personnel to pursue the BOP camps and stated that all previous clearances should be compiled. He highlighted the importance of DPR consultants joining in the inspection for concrete information.

The meeting also considered the proposal for installation of BSNL 4G BTS Towers under the BIP/BOP project at BOP Singhalila, Kalijhar, Chewabhanjyang, and Chitarey of 36 Bn SSB, Gyalshing, to strengthen digital and communication connectivity in border areas.

It was assured by BSNL personnel,the tower for the telecom connectivity at Chewabhanjyang will be made functional by the end of March,2026.

The Hon’ble MP expressed serious concern over the matter and directed the concerned authorities to initiate appropriate action to address the issue and ensure timely completion of the stalled projects.

Additionally,acknowledging the concerns, the Member of Parliament directed the concerned officials to prepare a detailed report on the nature, extent, and specific locations of the Right of Way(ROW)damages in Gyalshing District for submission to higher authorities for further review and appropriate measures.

Addressing the house, the MP emphasised the strategic importance of border infrastructure and directed all departments concerned to prioritise quality, safety, and timely execution of works in the larger public interest and for the national security of the state.

He further urged for the immediate conduction of the joint inspection of involved departments along with the SSB personnel of 36Bn and 72nd Bn at the proposed BOP locations for the early completion of requisite projects on time.

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks from the District Collector,Gyalshing, who assured close coordination among all departments to expedite pending works and ensure effective implementation of the decisions taken. He further informed the concerned departments to intimate the District Administration for any work/projects executed within their jurisdiction or areas to avoid information gap.