BRO to give first offer to Mines & Geology dept in future projects
GANGTOK, August 7: The State Mines, Minerals & Geology department may find itself as a prominent cog in the developmental projects in the State if well intentioned proposals of the State government go ahead as planned.
The State government has already set in motion two proposals that will call for the expertise of the Mines, Minerals & Geology department by different agencies while undertaking new developmental projects that requires constructions especially those of roads.
Construction of roads in the hilly terrain has sometimes set the alarm bells ringing among the environmentalists, pollution control board and other stakeholders keeping in view of regular slides and damage to biodiversity.
The extensive excavation works being conducted during the Nathu La road widening project creating slush and other impacts by Border Roads Organization have fetched criticism from the State government in the past.
In a recent report submitted to the State government by the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) had said that there is an urgent need for taking necessary corrective measures by BRO to check siltation of the Tsomgo lake due to road excavation by constructing immediately silt traps and check dams.
During his assessment trip of the Nathu La road widening project on July 3, the State chief secretary ND Chingapa had also asked the BRO to take the State Mines & Geology department into confidence before taking up any new projects in Sikkim.
Following this directive from the Sikkim government, the Swastik Project of BRO stationed here have taken the advice of the chief secretary in a positive manner, it is informed.
Sources informed that the BRO will be giving priority to the Mines & Geology department for upcoming new projects in Sikkim.
While floating new tenders for new soil testing and other investigative works prior to undertake future projects, the BRO will give the first offer to the State Mines & Geology department, sources informed.
The BRO cannot do anything on the present ongoing activities as the works have already started, it is informed.
Meanwhile, it is learnt that the chief secretary has already passed an order during a recent coordination meeting of the departmental heads on June that a no objection certificate from Mines & Geology department is compulsory for any construction activities by the departments.
The order has been passed and notification to that effect will be soon issued directing all the departments to take NOCs from the Mines & Geology department while undertaking construction activities from now on, it is informed.
With the Mines & Geology department on track to deeper involvement in developmental activities, the department has claimed that it is capable of delivering the goods.
“The department is quite capable of delivering good inputs and all our five geologists are very much in demand these days and their services are being used by various government departments”, said T Tashi, director, Mines & Geology department. He also underlined the importance of geologists whose inputs and suggestions can save a lot of time and money for construction projects.
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