Press Release

Press Release from District Administrative Centre, Gangtok

Information & Public Relations Department

Date: 20-May-2026
Dated: 20th May 2026
A bi-monthly inspection of Hydro Power Projects under the jurisdiction of Gangtok District, namely Sneha Kinetic Power Project (Greenko) and NHPC Teesta Stage-V, was conducted on 20th May 2026 by the District Level Safety Monitoring Committee under the leadership of Shri Sisum Wangchuk Bhutia, Additional District Collector, Gangtok.
The inspection team comprised officials from various departments including the Joint Director, District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Gangtok District; Joint Director, Mines & Geology Department; Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF), Gangtok Forest Department; Assistant Engineer, Water Resources & Development Department; Station Fire Officer (SFO), Fire Station North; Police Inspector, Lingdok Outpost; along with DGM and officials from Sneha Kinetic Power Project Ltd. (Greenko) and NHPC Teesta Stage-V.
During the inspection, the committee observed that the directions and recommendations issued during the previous bi-monthly inspection had been complied with by the respective power project authorities.
However, the inspection team made several observations and issued further recommendations for strengthening safety preparedness and infrastructure management.
At the Sneha Kinetic Power Project (Greenko), the team noted that the ramp construction work, which had been directed during the previous inspection, had been completed. However, cracks were observed on the constructed ramp, requiring immediate attention and necessary rectification measures.
The committee further observed that the window glass of the TRC machine requires replacement, while one pole light at the dam site area was found to be non-functional.
At the Power Station, Dikchu, the team directed the authorities to ensure that the emergency exit route remains clear and unobstructed at all times. The committee also stressed the importance of proper training for personnel handling the Public Address (PA) system to ensure accurate and effective communication during emergency situations.
Additionally, instructions were issued for clearly marking the designated assembly area with bold and visible signage. The removal of a boulder posing a threat near the entry point of the power station at Dikchu was also recommended on priority.
The inspection team also visited and reviewed the protective measures undertaken by the power project authorities at the toe of Rakdong village.
Regarding the restoration status of the NHPC dam, the NHPC authorities informed the committee that the restoration work is expected to be completed within the next two months. The restoration process will also include the completion of the NHPC control room setup at the dam site.
Reiterating the importance of maintaining strict safety standards and disaster preparedness, the District Level Safety Monitoring Committee directed the project authorities to ensure timely compliance with all recommendations for the smooth and secure functioning of hydro power projects in the district.
As part of strengthening emergency response mechanisms, the committee also strictly instructed the project authorities to designate a dedicated relief camp to effectively address any unforeseen contingencies or emergency situations.