G.T. Dhungel, a project advisor for Gangtok Smart City, called the allegations about the Old West Point School-Taxi Stand project “lies” intended to mislead the people of Sikkim on Wednesday. He insisted that the upcoming 14-story complex will not endanger the neighbourhood because the site’s stability had been vetted by geo-technical experts.
“Because Sikkim is a seismically active zone, IIT experts conducted a geo-technical survey to determine the land’s stability.” The rock strata beneath the site were studied by geologists. To incorporate safety features, a thorough study was conducted and a report was submitted. The design was created based on the report, and construction work began shortly after,” G.T. Dhungel explained.
Dhungel, who is also the Tadong MLA, had conducted a site inspection of a PPP project being developed by a private company on government land in Gangtok’s central business district. The old Taxi Stand complex is currently being deconstructed.
Because Sikkim is in a high seismic zone, it was argued that the 14-story building proposed at the site would pose a risk to the Arithang community.
Dhungel also mentioned advanced construction materials being used to further protect the structure and area from earthquakes, in addition to the geo-technical reports.
“The 14-story structure would be made of composite steel. It is light and contributes significantly to the building’s weight reduction. If we compare this upcoming structure to the new STNM Hospital building, which has 12 floors, the weight of this structure will be nearly half that of the hospital building in Sokaythang. “In terms of stability, the building is safe,” said Dhungel, who has a background in engineering.
The government advisor dismissed the claim that the PPP project on government property would be exploited indefinitely by the private developer.
“This is untrue. After the 26-year lease period expires, the land and even the structure will be returned to the government. The government owns the land, and it will continue to own it. It has not been sold, and the land and building will be handed over to the government in accordance with the agreement,” Dhungel stated.
When asked how the project would benefit the people of Sikkim, Dhungel expressed confidence that it would provide benefits in a variety of areas, including tourism, recreation, jobs, business, and revenue generation. The project will also address Gangtok’s vehicle parking problem, as four floors will be set aside for systematic vehicle parking, he said.
Regarding the allegation of favouring outsiders for PPP projects in Sikkim, G.T. Dhungel stated that such projects requiring significant investment and technical expertise should be put out for national bids. Those who meet the eligibility criteria are chosen for such projects, he explained. He countered that the company in charge of the PPP project is not run by outsiders, as has been claimed. I’m surprised when they’re labelled as ‘outsiders,’ because they’re from Sikkim and are used to doing business with people who everyone knows, he explained.
“Everything is being done in a transparent manner,” Dhungel said in response to the demand for a white paper containing MoUs for such projects. It is not a big deal to give a white paper because the land has not been sold, it has not been given to a non-local, the project was done on a national bid based on competence level… it is not a big deal to give a white paper because the land has not been sold, it has not been given to a non-local. When it’s finished, the government will issue a white paper as needed.”
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