Press Release from District Administrative Centre,Gangtok
Dated: 21st May, 2026
Bi-Monthly Inspection Conducted under Gangtok District
A bi-monthly inspection was conducted on 21st May, 2026, led by Shri Tshering Norgyal Theengh, Additional District Magistrate (HQ), Gangtok. The inspection team comprised of Superintendent Engineer, Roads and Bridges Department; ACF(T), Forest Department; DCFO, Fire Department; Senior Geologist, Mines and Geology Department; Deputy Director /DM , Plant Head, Kundan Hydro Power Project; along with officials and representatives from Power Department , Water Resource Department and power projects.
The inspection team visited the Kundan Hydro Power Project and Madhya Bharat Power Project areas to assess vulnerable locations and review mitigation measures.
During the inspection, the following sites were examined:
Pallum Road
The team inspected an area affected by landslide activity, which poses a threat to the habitation and lives located below the affected stretch. The issue was explained on-site, following which Kundan Hydro Project was directed to consult with the Mines and Geology Department and initiate necessary works as per the technical suggestions and estimates provided by the department.
Further, the ADM (HQ) directed Kundan Hydro Power Project to submit the cadastral map of the WCS line to the District Administration at the earliest.
Upper Nandok – Penstock Area
The inspection team also visited the Upper Nandok Penstock area, where concerns were raised regarding the construction of a fair-weather road by the Roads and Bridges Department. It was observed that the sudden rise and flow of heavy rainwater in the area is causing sinking at the downstream portions and poses a potential threat to the penstock pipeline.
The Roads and Bridges Department informed the team that administrative approval for the installation of barricade to protect the penstock pipeline has already been obtained .
In view of the prevailing vulnerability, the Additional District Magistrate (HQ) advised and directed the Kundan Hydro Power Project to construct a 20-metre gabion wall at a specific location along the penstock road as an immediate protective measure and Roads and Bridges to undertake permanent measures for completion of the stretch of road which if not repaired, might cause flooding during monsoon thus creating more risk to the penstock pipeline.
Further, the Kundan Hydro Power Project was directed to undertake vulnerability mapping of the penstock area in coordination with the Mines and Geology Department to assess and mitigate potential risks. A follow up review inspection will also be conduced to assess the situation.