District Implementation Committee Meeting for Cho-Dzo Lake, Ravangla Restoration held at Namchi District.

Namchi, March 10 (IPR): District Implementation Committee (DLC) meeting for implementation of repair, renovation and restoration of Cho-Dzo lake, Ravangla, was held today at District Administrative Centre (DAC), Namchi.
The meeting was presided over by Ms Anupa Tamling DC Namchi, Mr Nim Pintso Bhutia SDM (HQ), Mr Bijay Tewari DE WRD, Mr B B Tamang DPO, NDZP, Dr C P Rai ADC (Dev) RDD, Dr Nation Chamling, Deputy Director Agriculture Department/ATMA, Ms Nirmala Moktan Agricultural Department, Ms Purnima Theengh Horticultural Department, Ms Sabi Gadaily ACF (Forest) Namchi, Mr Gadadhar Ray Coordinator SLBC, Sikkim, Mr Kallol Bhattacharya lead banker SBI.
The main agenda was to discuss the preparations for the repair, renovation, and restoration of Cho-Dzo Lake in Ravangla.
Ms Anupa Tamling DC Namchi, in her address, raised concerns regarding the project aimed at managing jhora (stream water) in the area. She stressed the need for proper management to avoid any damage to surrounding properties, also concerns were raised about the discharge rate of the water, which could potentially lead to landslides if not carefully controlled.
Additionally, she stressed the importance of protecting Cho-Dzo lake, urging everyone to help preserve its clean environment and beauty for the future.
Mr Nim Pintso Bhutia SDM (HQ), addressed the committee on issues surrounding water scarcity and its impact on water sources in the lower belt. He emphasised the importance of addressing the concerns related to reducing water sources and their long-term effects on local communities.
Mr Bijay Tewari DE WRD, presented the detailed District Irrigation Plan for 2025-26 to a gathered committee, outlining key infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing water management and community welfare.
The plan includes developing Cho-Dzo Lake, constructing a new intake structure at the Selayla source, and building a 30,000-liter RCC sedimentation tank for water filtration.
Other major initiatives included the construction of a jhora near Cho-Dzo at Ravangla, laying GI pipes for raw water mains, and building RCC distribution chambers. The project also features a new RCC filter house, a zonal tank for market water supply, and the installation of gravity feed pressure filters and an electro-chlorinator.
Moreover, a boundary wall with barbed wire will be built around the water body and adventure sports equipment and playground rides will be installed to enhance the area. This plan aims to improve water infrastructure and support community development.
Dr C P Rai ADC (Dev) RDD, emphasised the importance of conducting thorough soil testing before initiating any major development project. He also stressed the need to assess the strength and holding capacity of the lake that will play a key role in the project.
He pointed that water harvesting was previously done naturally without tapping the water source. However, under the new plan, it is essential to tap water from the source and channel it to the Cho-dzo lake, which is crucial for ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of the project while maintaining the integrity of the water source.