Sikkim CM reviews several development projects of state

Guwahati: A high-level meeting with National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) representatives and state stakeholders was presided over by the Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang in the conference hall of the Chintan Bhawan in Gangtok.

Sikkim CM, Prem Singh Tamang, has assessed the development of the state's national highway projects at the review meet.

The study covered in-depth talks of land acquisition concerns, the status of active projects, new developments, ownership disputes & arbitration, and potential financial interventions.

In order to improve infrastructure in the State, the CM further emphasised the significance of collaboration between federal and state authorities and gave the go-ahead to start the work.

Inquiring about the project's current status with regard to road building activity in the State, Tamang interacted with state government officials and representatives of construction businesses during the review meeting. He also mentioned the existing strategy used by the State's central agencies to carry out their task and urged that it be done in a time-bound way.

Additionally, he spoke with the district collectors of Gangtok, Pakyong, Namchi, and Gyalshing, who provided a brief update on the work that was under their control.

The discussion also covered a number of road development strategies, problems with the non-evacuation of compensated homes or buildings, compensation for damage that went beyond the scope of work, protecting the environment while building roads, and other technicalities. Moreover, the Chief Minister asked NHIDCL to take the necessary action as and when it became necessary and instructed the officials to locate the affected area under Row in order to recompense the people appropriately.

Chief Secretary VB Pathak took note of the responsibilities given to the concerned officials about the topics addressed during the meeting and, in accordance, set a deadline for the completion of the prescribed works.

Later, Shailendra Sharma, the chief engineer for the urban development department, delivered a presentation to demonstrate the damage intended to the Martam Solid Waste Treatment Plant by NHIDCL's inappropriate disposal of boulders and other construction material gathered during road.

Similarly, Tashi Chophel, DC, Pakyong, also highlighted problems with NHIDCL property damage to both public and private property. Sikkim  Chief Minister further acknowledged the issue and requested that the responsible officials look into it, act quickly to provide the people with help and compensation, and exercise caution when building.

Following the debate, the Chief Minister requested the delegates' help in getting the officials to step up their efforts in monitoring the timely completion of the State's National Highway projects.

The review meet also had the participation of Kunga Nima Lepcha,Minister of Land Revenue and Disaster Management, Mingma Norbu Sherpa, Minister of Power Department, BS Panth, Minister of Tourism Department, LN Sharma, Minister of Agriculture, Shri VB Phatak, Chief Secretary of the State, ML Srivastav ACS cum PCCF, Forest Department, Secretary CMO Smt. Tenzing Kizom Bhutia, District Collectors & Superintendent of Police of different districts, HoDs of allied departments, Government of Sikkim, officials from the Chief Minister's office, and representatives from NHIDCL.

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