CAP-Sikkim Says Mega Mall Unsafe, Urges NDMA to Stop Construction
First Published: 9th April, 2025 15:19 IST
CAP-Sikkim accused the state government of allowing such risky constructions purely for commercial gain, putting public safety.
Citizen Action Party-Sikkim (CAP) has come forward to safeguard the lives of Gangtok residents by urging the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to stop ongoing illegal mega mall constructions in the state capital.
On April 8, a CAP-Sikkim delegation led by Bhushan Adhikari, Vice President (Political Affairs), met Rajendra Singh, Member and Head of Department, NDMA, in New Delhi. The team submitted a memorandum highlighting the dangers of unregulated construction in Gangtok an area falling under Seismic Zone IV and highly prone to earthquakes and landslides.
The memorandum, addressed to the NDMA Chairman, demanded immediate suspension of ongoing projects such as West Point Mall, Star Mall, and the towering Unity Mall. According to the party, these projects violate seismic safety norms, environmental laws, and Sikkim’s own building rules. CAP-Sikkim accused the state government of allowing such risky constructions purely for commercial gain, putting public safety and the fragile Himalayan ecosystem at risk.
An on-ground inspection conducted by the party on April 7, revealed serious violations, including lack of seismic safety checks, encroachments on sensitive zones, and disregard for expert warnings from institutions like IIT and the Indian Institute for Human Settlements.
During the meeting, Rajendra Singh assured the CAP-Sikkim team of prompt action. He promised to seek a detailed report from the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) to look into the allegations and investigate the state government’s role in these violations.
CAP-Sikkim has pledged to escalate the matter further by reaching out to the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister, seeking national-level action against the negligence of the state authorities.
The party also urged citizens, civil society groups, and environmental activists to join the movement to protect Gangtok from reckless development that could turn the city into a disaster zone.
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