Steps to ensure public safety following rise in level of Teesta

EOI, PAKYONG, MAY 29, 2024 : The Pakyong district authorities have started taking measures to ensure public safety in view of the rising level of water of river Teesta.

In accordance with the directive of District Collector Pakyong, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Rangpo Thendup Lepcha, accompanied by the Municipal Executive Officer Rangpo Nagar Panchayat and officials from the Sikkim Departments of Fisheries and Forest and police personnel on Wednesday conducted an inspection at the River Teesta belt of Rangpo subdivision and the River Rangpo belt to assess the situation and ensure the safety of common people in light of the rising water levels of the River Teesta. 

The Central Water Commission (CWC) issued an alert at 1 am on Wednesday due to the rising water levels of the River Teesta, urging people along the basin to remain vigilant. 

The alert serves as a reminder for residents to take necessary precautions and stay away from the river. 

An awareness campaign was conducted in the IBM area and Mazigoan Rangpo, using loudspeakers, to instruct the people to stay away from the river, starting from 5 pm onwards. 

This proactive measure was aimed to prevent any potential accidents or mishaps due to the increasing water levels. The Forest Department has also mandated the closure of quarries after 5 pm. 

This step has been taken to ensure the safety of workers and to prevent any harm that may be caused by the rising water levels. 

The Fisheries Department has already issued a notice forbidding fishing for three months from April 1 to June 30, in view of the mating season and to ensure sustainability.

This measure is critical to maintaining ecological balance and protecting the the fish population of the river.