SDPDB Bhandari discusses infra, electricity and plantation
Bhandari, February 14 (MExN): Reiterating his demand for quality work along the entire stretch of the Foothills Roads, including the construction of five steel bridges in Bhandari sub-division, MLA and Chairman of the SDPDB Bhandari, Achumbemo Kikon called for expediting the work to meet the March 31 deadline.
Addressing the Bhandari Sub-Divisional Planning and Development Board (SDPDB) meeting on February 13, he urged construction companies, contractors, government departments, organisations, and the public from Yanmhon village area, Champang village area and Bhandari, as well as individuals, to contribute positively towards ensuring that road becomes functional on time.
All stakeholders are collective shareholders in the project, Kikon added.
The meeting, attended by departmental officers, construction firms, NGOs and public leaders, deliberated in detail on the ongoing construction of the Foothill Road covering about 39 kilometres in Bhandari sub-division.
Meanwhile, Renbemo Murry, Proprietor of JK Construction and representing M/S Chabou & Co stated that the firms are committed to completing the Foothill Road by March 31.
He informed that work had been delayed by about four months in the past year due to pending issues but added that adequate workforce and machinery have since been mobilised to resume and accelerate the project.
He further noted that heavy and prolonged monsoon rains had hindered progress, particularly as the project involves substantial earthwork. However, works including cross-drainage (CD) structures and protection works are now nearing completion. He added that additional manpower and machinery have been deployed for both packages to ensure completion within the stipulated timeline as per approved designs and specifications.
Executive Engineer, PWD (R&B), Er Kuhovi Sema, highlighted the construction of the five bridges, stating that the work is progressing satisfactorily and is expected to be completed on schedule.
Dr Yanthungrhomo Mozhui, representing the bridge construction firms, expressed concern regarding the construction of wing walls and appealed for proper drainage systems to prevent waterlogging and potential damage to the bridges.
Meanwhile, T Amos Kikon, President of Lotha Lower Range Public Organisation (LLRPO), spoke on the PMGSY Sungkha Road project, which connects six villages - Roni Old, Mongphio, Lishuyo, Sungkha, Lio Wokha and Hayiyan , to the rest of the sub-division.
While lauding the local MLA for bringing various developmental works to the 40 Bhandari Assembly Constituency, he stated that development projects should be entrusted to individuals genuinely committed to the progress of the people.
Jatropha curcas plantation project adopted
The house also deliberated on and resolved to adopt a Jatropha curcas plantation project in Bhandari.
Emphasising the importance of the initiative as a viable long-term agricultural solution, MLA Kikon stated that, as economic trends shift from roadside and weekly markets towards organised agricultural enterprise and large-scale business, a well-guided project could generate sustainable livelihood opportunities for farmers and transform the region’s economic landscape.
Pemma Dorji, Managing Director of Terratroth Innovations, Sikkim, spoke on the application of the “Right Crop and Right Technology”, stating that Jatropha curcas is primarily cultivated for biofuel, bio-oil and industrial raw materials and could serve as an alternative cash crop for farmers.
Maintaining that the plant generally maintains balanced climatic environment by retaining ground water and preventing soil erosion, he said adding that the plants act as natural barrier and deterrence against crop-raiding livestock’s and will also contribute in reducing Human-Elephant conflict because Jatropha carcass is toxic for elephants.
He informed that the company will be in strategic partnership to help, assist and build a strong and sustainable socio-economic status of the people.
Dorji added that the company will require around 5000 hectares of land to execute the project in its first phase manner.
The house resolved to sensitise the village councils, landowners and farmers on the benefit of the project and to encourage the community to dedicate suitable land and sufficient labour towards cultivation of the crop.
In the meeting, connection and proper maintenance of electricity to six villages namely; Mmhayan, Chanka, Yankhum, Old Wozhu, New Wozhu and Litsuyan was also discussed.
The six villages in a memorandum stated that currently they were provided electricity connection from Mokokchung district, they however, seek to be brought under Wokha district for better connectivity and maintenance.
Er Mhaden Murry JE Power Bhandari also informed the house that three distribution transformers have been installed in the sub-division to upscale supply of power to needy areas, the State DIPR reported.
