Tikjek cliff safety works begin after High Court intervention on accident-prone stretch

<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,serif">GEYZING,:</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,serif"> Essential safety measures including crash barriers, road signage and reflectors are being installed along the accident-prone Tikjek cliff stretch in West Sikkim following the intervention of the Sikkim High Court.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,serif">The High Court had recently initiated a suo motu PIL, taking cognizance of a Sikkim Express report that highlighted serious public safety concerns along the hazardous stretch.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,serif">Work on installing crash barriers along the half-kilometre stretch has begun and is being expedited, officials said. However, officials informed, installation of street lights may take more time as it falls under the jurisdiction of the Power department, which is yet to assess issues and finalise estimates.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,serif">District collector Tenzing D. Denzongpa on Saturday visited the site, reviewed the progress and issued necessary directions to the officials concerned. The project is being executed by State Public Works Department (PWD) under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) through Rural Development department.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,serif">Officials from PWD, panchayat members of Lingchom-Tikjek GPU and local residents accompanied the DC during the inspection.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,serif">The Tikjek cliff stretch connects Lingchom with nearby areas such as Dentam and serves as a shorter route for commuters in West Sikkim. Constructed along a steep slope rising over 300 feet, the road has been prone to frequent accidents and has claimed several lives over the years.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,serif">The demand for installation of crash barriers and street lighting had been raised repeatedly by residents and public representatives for several years.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,serif">Public concern intensified recently after a truck plunged off the road, killing three persons.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,serif">Denzongpa said the installation of crash barriers and signage would be completed within a week.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,serif">“Work is being expedited and the installation of crash barriers and signage will be completed soon. However, the installation of street lights may take more time as the Power department needs to prepare proper plans and estimates,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,serif">Lingchom-Tikjek panchayat president Rajen Limboo welcomed the development, stating that the demands were long pending.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,serif">“We hope that with these safety measures in place, accidents will reduce significantly. The stretch is highly vulnerable and such provisions are crucial for both drivers and commuters,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p> </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,serif">Local residents and taxi drivers also welcomed the initiative, urging authorities to ensure quality execution of the work to prevent further mishaps.&nbsp; &nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></p>

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