Press Release
Press Release from District Administrative Centre, Gangtok
Information & Public Relations Department
District Collector Distributes Ex Gratia Cheques to 23 Disaster-Affected Families at 7th Mile, Old J.N. Road.
Gangtok, 21 July 2026: The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Gangtok, under the leadership of Shri Rohan Ramesh Agawane, IAS, District Collector-cum-Chairman, DDMA, distributed ex gratia assistance cheques to 23 disaster-affected households whose houses sustained damage due to the recent disaster at 7th Mile, Old J.N. Road, Kyongnosla GPU, in accordance with the norms of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).
The cheque distribution was held during an inspection of the affected area undertaken by the District Collector to review the prevailing situation and assess the progress of relief and rehabilitation measures following the intensified disaster impacts in the locality.
The inspection was attended by Shri Sonam Wongyal Lepcha, Joint Director, DDMA; Ms. Bijayata Kharel, Deputy Director, DDMA, along with the DDMA team; Shri Sherap Dorjee, Revenue Inspector; the Revenue Surveyor; Shri Suman Subba, Assistant Labour Commissioner, Labour Department, along with his team; the CA to the Hon'ble MLA; Panchayat representatives; and officials from the concerned line departments. The team also interacted with the affected residents and reviewed the conditions at the relief camp.
Addressing the gathering, the District Collector expressed solidarity with the affected families and acknowledged the hardships they have endured. He appreciated their resilience and cooperation during this difficult period and reiterated the District Administration's commitment to ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of all affected persons. He noted that seven families continue to reside in the relief camp and assured them of continued administrative support until permanent rehabilitation measures are implemented.
During the review, the District Administration observed that the disaster situation in the area has further intensified due to continued ground instability and recurring rainfall. Discussions focused on immediate measures, including uninterrupted relief support, provision of essential services, strengthening of safety arrangements, and continuous monitoring of the vulnerable area. Long-term rehabilitation measures such as detailed geotechnical investigations, slope stabilisation works, and identification of suitable permanent rehabilitation options for the affected families were also deliberated upon.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and property, the District Administration emphasized that all concerned departments will continue to work in close coordination to expedite relief, rehabilitation, and long-term rehabilitation disaster risk reduction measures in the affected area.
The District Administration also appealed to the public to cooperate with the authorities and strictly adhere to all advisories issued in the interest of public safety.
Gangtok, 21 July 2026: The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Gangtok, under the leadership of Shri Rohan Ramesh Agawane, IAS, District Collector-cum-Chairman, DDMA, distributed ex gratia assistance cheques to 23 disaster-affected households whose houses sustained damage due to the recent disaster at 7th Mile, Old J.N. Road, Kyongnosla GPU, in accordance with the norms of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).
The cheque distribution was held during an inspection of the affected area undertaken by the District Collector to review the prevailing situation and assess the progress of relief and rehabilitation measures following the intensified disaster impacts in the locality.
The inspection was attended by Shri Sonam Wongyal Lepcha, Joint Director, DDMA; Ms. Bijayata Kharel, Deputy Director, DDMA, along with the DDMA team; Shri Sherap Dorjee, Revenue Inspector; the Revenue Surveyor; Shri Suman Subba, Assistant Labour Commissioner, Labour Department, along with his team; the CA to the Hon'ble MLA; Panchayat representatives; and officials from the concerned line departments. The team also interacted with the affected residents and reviewed the conditions at the relief camp.
Addressing the gathering, the District Collector expressed solidarity with the affected families and acknowledged the hardships they have endured. He appreciated their resilience and cooperation during this difficult period and reiterated the District Administration's commitment to ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of all affected persons. He noted that seven families continue to reside in the relief camp and assured them of continued administrative support until permanent rehabilitation measures are implemented.
During the review, the District Administration observed that the disaster situation in the area has further intensified due to continued ground instability and recurring rainfall. Discussions focused on immediate measures, including uninterrupted relief support, provision of essential services, strengthening of safety arrangements, and continuous monitoring of the vulnerable area. Long-term rehabilitation measures such as detailed geotechnical investigations, slope stabilisation works, and identification of suitable permanent rehabilitation options for the affected families were also deliberated upon.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and property, the District Administration emphasized that all concerned departments will continue to work in close coordination to expedite relief, rehabilitation, and long-term rehabilitation disaster risk reduction measures in the affected area.
The District Administration also appealed to the public to cooperate with the authorities and strictly adhere to all advisories issued in the interest of public safety.
