PRESS RELEASE

Gangtok: September 28

The Governor of Sikkim, B.P. Singh visited North Sikkim on an army chopper on 27th September for an aerial survey of the earthquake affected areas of Chungthang, Lachen and Lachung.

He was received at Mangan Helipad by Power and Energy Minister, Sonam Gyatso Lepcha, District Collector, Superintendent of Police (N), district officials and scores of local people. The Governor visited the 140-year old Ringhim Monastery, which was extensively damaged during the earthquake; he assured the monks of all assistance from the State Government in rebuilding the monastery. He also advised the monastery management to immediately fence the monastery premises to give it the needed security.

Thereafter, He visited the District Hospital and met those who had sustained injuries during the earthquake. He also visited the relief camp operated by the State Administration which is providing food and shelter to the affected persons. The Governor also paid a visit to the Control Room, which is under the supervision of the army officials. A presentation was made by an army officer, whereby, it was informed that so far more than 400 persons have been evacuated by air and 7900 persons by road. Further, there are no news of more casualties from north Sikkim.

The Governor expressed his appreciation for the hard work put in by all the organizations especially the Army, ITBP, NDRF and the State Administration. He also informed that each Control Room in the district headquarters of Sikkim is being monitored by a Minister to secure better co-ordination, a feature unique in the country.

The Governor was accompanied by Major General S.L Narasimhan, GOC 17 Mountain Division, and M.G. Kiran, Commissioner-cum-Secretary to the Governor.

 

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