District Level Safety Monitoring Committee Conducts Bi-Monthly Safety Inspection of Hydropower Projects in Gangtok
GANGTOK, 22 September 2026:
The District Level Safety Monitoring Committee, Gangtok, conducted a comprehensive bi-monthly safety inspection of major hydropower projects within the jurisdiction of Gangtok District today. The inspection covered the Sneha Kinetic Power Project (Greenko) and NHPC Teesta Stage-V and was led by Shri Sisum Wangchuk Bhutia, Additional District Collector (ADC), Gangtok.
The inspection was undertaken as part of the district administration’s continued efforts to ensure compliance with prescribed safety standards, strengthen emergency preparedness, and safeguard the lives and property of people residing in and around major infrastructure projects.
The inter-departmental inspection team comprised senior officials and technical personnel from various departments, including:
* Joint Director, District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Gangtok
* Joint Director, Mines & Geology Department
* Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF), Gangtok Forest Department
* Divisional Engineer and Junior Engineer, Power Department
* Junior Engineer, Water Resources & Development Department
* Assistant Station Fire Officer (ASFO), along with the response team from Fire Station North
The inspection team was also accompanied by the Deputy General Managers (DGMs) and other operational officials of Sneha Kinetic Power Project Ltd. and NHPC Teesta Stage-V.
Compliance with Previous Directives
During the inspection, the committee reviewed the compliance status of the directions and recommendations issued during the previous bi-monthly inspection. The committee noted significant operational progress and observed that the project authorities had complied with the directives issued during the earlier inspection.
Observations and Directives
Following a detailed assessment of safety arrangements, infrastructure, emergency preparedness and operational protocols, the committee issued the following directions:
Sneha Kinetic Power Project (Greenko)
1. Restoration of CCTV Surveillance:
The committee observed that certain CCTV cameras installed within the project premises were non-functional. The project management was directed to restore all non-operational CCTV cameras immediately and ensure uninterrupted surveillance coverage.
2. 24×7 Control Room Monitoring:
The project authority was directed to ensure the deployment of dedicated personnel to man the control room on a 24×7 basis, without exception, particularly to facilitate prompt response during emergencies.
3. Public Safety Awareness:
The management was directed to conduct targeted safety-awareness programmes for the local community residing in the vicinity of the project, with particular emphasis on emergency response and precautionary measures.
4. Implementation of “Friday Safety Five”:
The committee directed the immediate implementation of the “Friday Safety Five” safety initiative for all project employees as a regular measure to reinforce workplace safety awareness and preparedness.
NHPC Teesta Stage-V
1. Safety Awareness Programmes:
The project authorities were directed to conduct comprehensive safety-awareness programmes for employees, labourers deployed at the project site, and the surrounding local community, with emphasis on potential hazards, emergency preparedness and appropriate response measures.
2. Implementation of “Friday Safety Five”:
NHPC was directed to formally implement the “Friday Safety Five” initiative across its workforce as part of its continuing workplace safety measures.
3. Availability of Emergency Safety Equipment at Dam Site:
The committee noted that although the dam site had been restored following the damage caused by the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) of 2023 and was re-commissioned in July 2026, essential safety gear and emergency equipment required for use during emergency situations were yet to be made available at the dam site. The management was accordingly directed to ensure the immediate procurement, installation and availability of all necessary emergency lighting, safety gear and other essential emergency equipment at the site.
4. Updating and Submission of Disaster Management Plan:
The project authority was directed to update its Disaster Management Plan in accordance with the prevailing requirements and submit the updated plan to the concerned authority for review and record.
Continued Safety Oversight
The District Administration, Gangtok, remains committed to ensuring rigorous monitoring and oversight of major industrial and infrastructural projects within the district. Such inspections are aimed at strengthening safety standards, enhancing emergency preparedness, ensuring regulatory compliance, and protecting the lives and property of the public as well as the surrounding environment.
The District Level Safety Monitoring Committee will continue to monitor the implementation of the directives issued during the inspection, and compliance will be reviewed during subsequent inspections.
