Namchi, 22nd June, 2023: The damage on waterpipes of Namchi PHE in Ravangla Bypass landslide was restored for second time today, but the permanent restoration might take more days. According to the assistant engineer of PHE Namchi, Sonam Karthak, the landslide stretch of nearly one kilometer long is active throughout the day, due to the monsoon, and has been a constant difficulty in restoring the waterpipes. The active slide may also be the reason for the elongation in the number of restoration days of the pipelines, he have stated.
Namchi, which is known as the second capital of Sikkim in terms of population and administration, was already known for having low water availability, and the state government, with Jal Jeevan Mission, had a plan on providing enough water to every household by next year, but the damage on the main water trunk of PHE Namchi in Ravangla Bypass, may not let the successful execution of the plan. The main water trunk of PHE Namchi ferrying water from the source in Bermeli, was of 250mm in diameter, the other two waterpipes were running alongside the main trunk were of 100mm and 150mm in diameters.
The first landslide damage of waterpipes occurred in the evening of June 15, wherein, only the two smaller waterpipes were restored by 2am of June 16. The second landslide damage, on those restored waterpipes took place on June 19 in the morning, which were restored temporarily, again on June 22, Assistant Engineer of PHE Namchi, Sonam Karthak, have informed. The main trunk, of 250mm, however, requires rock bolting, benches, suspension and anchoring to rock surface to be restored permanently, the AE have further stated.
Currently, PHE Namchi, is providing water every two days, on zonal basis, to the public of Namchi, and some of the institutions like, old age home of Singithang and the School of Specially Abled Students of Boomtar were provided water through tankers by PHE Department Namchi on days they were requested. In addition, monsoon tapping, with 100mm waterpipe, is also being done from Dharay, near Jaubari, and more sources are expected by the Department.
