Sikkim CM PS Tamang blames fmr CM Pawan Chamling for Chungthang dam collapse, assures action against guilty

According to CM Tamang the structural quality of the dam was compromised to benefit a few leaders in the previous SDF government led by Chamling

Sikkim Chief Minister PS Tamang has squarely blamed former Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling for the collapse of the Chungthang dam causing unimaginable damage to lives and property of thousands of people living living near the dam in North Sikkim.

According to CM Tamang severe technical and financial irregularities from inception to completion led to the disaster. He further stated that the dam’s structural safety was compromised for benefitting a few persons in the then SDF government led by Pawan Kumar Chamling.

As per the Sikkim Chief Minister, the Central Water Commission (CWC) while approving the original dam design had directed that a concrete gravity-filled dam be built at Chungthang. But Tamang alleged that this was violated and instead a rock-filled dam was set up to cut the construction cost.

CM PS Tamang said, “when CWC approved the original design, the commission had said to make a concrete gravity-filled dam but it was not done so, instead a rock-filled dam was made later on to save construction cost. Why was the then State government silent despite knowing that rock-filled cannot withstand huge floods and Sikkim being prone to earthquakes?”

Construction works for Sikkim Urja Ltd hydel power project started in 2008 at Chungthang with the plant commissioned only in February 2019. During this period of nine years, the mega power project, saw three project cost escalations, from Rs 5,700 crore to Rs 13,965 crore.

The Chief Minister pointed out that NHPC Teesta-V HEP dam was not damaged as it was a concrete-filled structure.

“The Teesta Urja Ltd saw that it would cost more to make a concrete-filled dam as they found rock only 80 m underneath. So in a careless manner, they made a rock-filled dam and this was most lethal for Sikkim. Due to this negligence, this Vinash (destruction) happened as the Teesta-III dam was breached…for one person,” said Tamang

Without minicing words, CM Tamang said that those responsible for the dam collapse will have to face action after a proper probe. A crucial decision on this is expected today in the cabinet meeting.

He said, “The State exchequer suffered a huge loss. A sub-standard dam was made despite showing such a huge construction cost. Instead of making a concrete dam, a rock-filled dam was made even though a huge amount was spent. This was done for corruption. The State cabinet will take a decision on which agency will be given the task to investigate as punishment must be given to those responsible. Whoever is involved in this dam construction and financial irregularities, they will be punished.”

The Chungthang dam is part of the 1200 MW Teesta-III Hydroelectric power project. It was damaged by the glacial lake outburst of October 4 causing havoc in the downstream areas.

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