Centre to evaluate Sikkim hydropower damage post-floods

The Ministry of Power announced that a comprehensive evaluation of the damage incurred by hydropower projects in Sikkim would be conducted by the central government after the floodwaters receded. It was stated that the state-owned hydro power giant NHPC was taking every conceivable step to expedite the restoration of the hydropower projects. The ministry further revealed that they were closely monitoring the situation resulting from the flash floods in the Teesta Basin in Sikkim. Pankaj Agrawal, Union Power Secretary, convened an emergency meeting with NHPC. During the meeting, senior officers from the ministry and the Central Electricity Authority were also in attendance. The flash floods in the Teesta Basin during the night between 3rd and 4th October 2023 led to the submergence and washing out of all bridges downstream of the Teesta-V Hydropower Station up to Tarkhola/Pamphok. This situation severely impacted transportation and communication in these regions. According to the statement, the floodwaters overflowed the dam of the Teesta V Power Station (510 MW). Additionally, all roads connecting to the project sites and parts of the residential colony suffered extensive damage.