Gangtok DC Rohan Agawane conducts field review of monsoon damage at Martam-Nazitam GPU

Gangtok District Collector Rohan Agawane Ramesh conducted a field inspection on Thursday at Martam Nazitam GPU to review public infrastructure and assess damage after continuous heavy rainfall.

The visit was carried out with officials from the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and the Martam-Rumtek administration. The District Collector was accompanied by the Joint Director, DDMA Gangtok, the Block Development Officer (BDO) for Martam-Rumtek, and representatives from concerned Area Panchayats and the Block Administrative Centre, Martam. The officials reviewed conditions on the ground and discussed developmental requirements.

Inspections across schools, PHC and ICDS

During the inspection, the District Collector reviewed key public institutions, including Yangthang Junior High School, the Martam Primary Health Centre (PHC), and the Tirkutam ICDS Centre. Officials shared information on the existing facilities and the needs for strengthening public service delivery and related developmental support.

After the rounds, the District Collector directed concerned departments to begin follow-up steps. This includes preparing technical estimates and detailed reports, where needed, so that identified maintenance and development works can be taken up in a timely manner.

Retaining wall collapse near Doordarshan Guest House

A separate joint inspection was later carried out at the Doordarshan Kendra Guest House near Enchey Monastery. The inspection involved DDMA officials and the Head of Office, Doordarshan Kendra, Gangtok, following the collapse of a retaining wall below the guest house. The incident happened at around 5:30 pm on July 15, after continuous heavy rainfall.

Officials said the retaining wall has completely collapsed, and an adjoining retaining wall shows signs of structural instability. As an immediate precaution, occupants from four affected residential quarters were evacuated and shifted to nearby accommodation. The guest house was also evacuated. No casualties or injuries have been reported.

District authorities have ordered the affected area to be cordoned off with restricted public access until safety is confirmed. A detailed technical assessment will be undertaken by engineering experts to evaluate the stability of the remaining retaining wall and the adjoining slope. Based on the findings, slope stabilization and restoration measures will be initiated, with continued monitoring during heavy rainfall. Families will remain in safer accommodation until the site is certified safe for reoccupation.