Gyalshing, Feb 20: A review meeting to assess water connectivity to border outposts, national highway construction works, and key infrastructure issues in border areas was held at the District Administrative Centre (DAC) Conference Hall in Gyalshing district on Thursday. The meeting was chaired by Lok Sabha Member of Parliament Indra Hang Subba.
Senior district officials, including District Collector-cum-District Magistrate Tenzing D Denzongpa, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Sandesh Subba, officers from the Power Department and Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), representatives of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and officials of National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), attended the meeting.
Discussions focused on providing water supply connections to Border Outposts (BOPs) of the 36th and 72nd battalions of SSB along the Uttarey Axis. The PHED Divisional Engineer presented a status report on completed works and outlined steps required to expedite the remaining connections.
Electricity connectivity to five BOPs under the Sikkim Axis was also reviewed, with emphasis placed on ensuring uninterrupted power supply to strategically significant border locations.
The meeting further reviewed proposals for improving border road connectivity, including the Uttarey–Chewabhanjang and Upper Bhoreng–Phalut routes. Officials highlighted the importance of these projects in strengthening infrastructure and accessibility in remote border areas.
Proposals for installation of BSNL 4G BTS towers under the BIP/BOP project at Singhalila, Kalijhar, Chiwabhanjan, and Chitarey BOPs were also discussed to enhance digital and communication connectivity.
Regarding National Highway works, NHIDCL officials were directed to submit a detailed progress report, including payment status to local contractors. During the meeting, it was informed that a contractor engaged under NHIDCL had reportedly left the work site in October 2024 without prior notice and remained absent, leading to delays in project execution. The MP expressed concern and directed authorities to initiate necessary action to ensure timely completion of stalled works.
The Sub-Divisional Magistrate also informed the meeting about extensive Right of Way (ROW) damage in several parts of the district beyond designated corridors, affecting road safety, infrastructure, and adjoining properties. Officials were directed to prepare a comprehensive report detailing the extent and locations of damages for submission to higher authorities.
Addressing the meeting, the MP emphasised the strategic importance of border infrastructure and instructed departments concerned to prioritise quality, safety, and timely implementation of projects in the larger public interest.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks from the District Collector, who assured coordinated efforts among departments to expedite pending works. The next follow-up meeting has been scheduled for March 6.
