GANGTOK: MLA-cum-Advisor of Power Department, Sanjeet Kharel attended a day-long workshop on “Uninterrupted Power Supply to the Capital by March 2026” at Chintan Bhawan, here on Monday.
The objective of the programme was to identify the problems faced by Power Department in key areas which need strengthening to materialise the vision of uninterrupted power supply in Gangtok by March 2026.
The Advisor, in his keynote address, applauded the effort of Power Department for doing a wonderful job in the State. He assured that the State Government will leave no stone unturned to assist the Power Department to reach its full potential. In addition, he instructed the Department officials to work hard, leaving no area for criticism. Furthermore, the Advisor motivated the Officials of the department to strive towards excellence and make the department an exemplary department in the State.
Principal Chief Engineer-cum-Secretary, Bikash Deokota reminded everyone about the goals of the Government – ‘Bijli, Pani and Sarak’ , stressing that the Power Department will work with utmost sincerity and hardwork to fulfill this objective of providing electricity. He requested all the officials from Power Department regardless of their hierarchical status to cooperate to bring this objective to fruitition.
The Principal Secretary cited ‘Three Rs Mission’ of Renovation, Reformation, and Renewable energy to rejuvenate Power Department. He emphasised on renovation of infrastructure belonging to Power Department, Reformation of the department leading to decrease of theft in power supply and to attain 50% dependence on renewable enegry in the near future aligning with the national vision of becoming a Vishwa Guru by 2047.
The workshop featured presentations by senior Power Department officials, including Chief Engineers, Additional Chief Engineers, Superintending Engineers, Divisional Engineers, and the Joint Director. Key presentation topics included:
- Details of existing power network in Gangtok.
- Reasons for interruption of power supply in different areas of Gangtok.
- Suggestion for attaining interruption free power supply with action plan on the way forward.
- Implementation of EV charging infrastructure in Gangtok and across the State.
- Grievance portal and Customer Care Centre.
- Showcasing RDSS scheme in contribution towards ensuring power stability in Gangtok.
- Popular perception in public concerning installation of Smart Energy Meters.
The programme also included interactive session between the the officials of Power Department and Heads of the Department concerning the bottlenecks faced by the Power department and suggestions to improve the power supply to achieve the target.
The workshop also had the presence of Principal Chief Engineer Power Department Sunil Rai, Officer on Special Duty under Power Department Suk Hang Subba, Additional Chief Engineer Binod Sharma, Senior Officers and officials of Power department.
- IPR Report
