Indra Hang Subba chaired a high-level review meeting at the District Administrative Centre (DAC) Conference Hall in Gyalshing district on Thursday to assess the status of key infrastructure projects in border areas.
Officials reviewed water connectivity to border outposts (BOPs), national highway construction works, power supply, road infrastructure, and digital connectivity in strategically sensitive locations.
Senior officials attended the meeting, including District Collector-cum-District Magistrate Tenzing D Denzongpa, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Sandesh Subba, representatives from the Power Department, Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).
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Water Supply to Border Outposts Reviewed
The meeting focused on providing water supply connections to BOPs of the 36th and 72nd battalions of SSB along the Uttarey Axis. The PHED Divisional Engineer presented a detailed status report on completed works and outlined steps to speed up pending connections.
Officials stressed the importance of ensuring reliable water supply to security personnel stationed in remote and high-altitude border areas. The MP directed the department to remove bottlenecks and complete the remaining work without delay.
Power Connectivity for Strategic Locations
Authorities also reviewed electricity connectivity to five BOPs under the Sikkim Axis. Officials discussed measures to ensure uninterrupted power supply in these strategically important areas.
The MP emphasized that consistent electricity access remains critical for operational readiness and improved living conditions for personnel deployed along the border.
Border Road and Connectivity Projects
The review covered proposals to strengthen road connectivity in remote border regions. Officials discussed the Uttarey–Chewabhanjang and Upper Bhoreng–Phalut routes. These projects aim to enhance accessibility and improve movement in difficult terrain.
Participants highlighted the strategic and economic importance of better roads in border districts. Improved connectivity will support both national security operations and local development.
Boosting Digital Communication in Remote Areas
The meeting also examined proposals to install BSNL 4G BTS towers under the BIP/BOP project at Singhalila, Kalijhar, Chiwabhanjan, and Chitarey BOPs. Officials said the new towers will strengthen communication networks and improve digital connectivity in isolated border posts.
Reliable communication infrastructure will enhance coordination, emergency response, and administrative efficiency in these remote areas.
National Highway Projects Under Scrutiny
NHIDCL officials briefed the meeting on ongoing national highway works in the district. The MP directed them to submit a detailed progress report, including updates on payments to local contractors.
Officials informed the meeting that a contractor engaged under NHIDCL reportedly abandoned the work site in October 2024 without prior notice. The absence caused delays in project execution. Expressing concern, the MP instructed authorities to initiate necessary action and ensure timely completion of the stalled works.
Right of Way Damage Raises Concerns
Sub-Divisional Magistrate Sandesh Subba reported significant Right of Way (ROW) damage in several areas beyond designated corridors. The damage has affected road safety, public infrastructure, and nearby properties.
The MP directed officials to prepare a comprehensive report detailing the extent and locations of the damage. Authorities will submit the findings to higher offices for appropriate action.
Focus on Quality and Timely Execution
Addressing the gathering, Indra Hang Subba underlined the strategic importance of strengthening border infrastructure. He urged all departments to prioritize quality, safety, and timely implementation of projects.
He stressed that coordinated efforts among departments will ensure faster execution and improved service delivery in border areas.
The District Collector concluded the meeting with a vote of thanks and assured full coordination among concerned departments to expedite pending works. Officials scheduled the next follow-up review meeting for March 6 to assess progress and ensure accountability.
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