Gangtok, Oct 7 (PTI) A Tunnel Monitoring Committee on Wednesday inspected the Reshi Road Tunnel in Soreng district to assess its condition and review pending works and safety measures for commuters, including pedestrians and students.
The joint inspection was led by Relief Commissioner-cum-Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department (LR&DMD), Mingma T Sherpa, along with officials from various departments, disaster management authorities and NHPC.
According to a press statement, Sherpa held discussions with NHPC officials on the technical and safety aspects of the tunnel and sought details of the precautionary measures and safety protocols being followed.
He directed the authorities to submit all relevant technical documents to his office for examination and further action, and proposed setting up a sub-committee for regular monitoring, assessment and coordination of issues related to the tunnel.
Soreng District Collector Dhiraj Subedi raised concerns over pending works, particularly the need to complete and maintain the drainage system and provide a safe pedestrian walkway through the tunnel.
The committee also sought information from NHPC on the structural condition of the tunnel, maintenance and rehabilitation requirements and other safety concerns, the statement said.
DGM-HRT of NHPC’s Rangit Stage IV HE Project, RM Sahoo, made a detailed presentation on the present status of the Reshi Road Tunnel and the diversion road tunnel along SH-22/NH510 near the Reshi dam site.
The presentation covered proposed rehabilitation treatment, major construction equipment required and estimated requirements for repair and upgradation of the diversion road tunnel.
The committee stressed the need for continued monitoring, timely completion of remedial works and strict adherence to safety protocols to ensure the long-term safety and functionality of the tunnel, the statement said.
The inspection was attended by Principal Director, Mines and Geology Department, PT Bhutia, Director, Geological Survey of India Prashant T Ilamkar, besides members of the Reshi Road Tunnel Monitoring Committee. PTI COR RG
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