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Sikkim Thunderstorm Snaps Power Lines, Disrupts Supply in 3 Districts

A severe thunderstorm and hailstorm in Sikkim caused significant damage to key 66 kV transmission lines across three districts late Sunday evening. The damage includes a snapped conductor in Pakyong and hazardous sparking on lines serving Gangtok and Mangan districts, leading to localized power outages. While Gangtok city's supply remains normal via a ring main system, restoration teams have been mobilized to patrol lines and conduct urgent repairs. The Power Department has apologized for the inconvenience and is working to restore full supply as quickly as possible.

Key Points: Sikkim Power Disrupted by Severe Thunderstorm in 3 Districts

  • Transmission lines snapped near Amba
  • Sparking reported near Namli & GB Pant Sanctuary
  • Gangtok city supply remains normal
  • Restoration teams deployed for priority work
2 min read

Sikkim: Power supply disruptions in several districts due to severe thunderstorms

Severe thunderstorms cause 66 kV transmission line faults, disrupting power in Pakyong, Gangtok, and Mangan districts. Restoration efforts underway.

"All efforts are being made to restore normal power supply at the earliest. - State Power Department"

Gangtok, March 15

A severe thunderstorm accompanied by a hailstorm that occurred late Sunday evening across several parts of Pakyong, Gangtok, and Mangan districts led to tripping of several 66 kV transmission lines, resulting in power supply disruptions in certain areas.

According to the state Power Department, in Pakyong District, one conductor of the 66 kV Rorathang-Rongli Transmission Line snapped near the Amba area, affecting power supply to Rongli and Rhenock areas.

In Gangtok District, sparking accompanied by a loud noise was reported near the Namli area on the 66 kV Marchak-Macleods Transmission Line, affecting supply to Nimtar, Topakhani and Singtam, a release said.

Additionally, the 66 kV LLHP-Sichey Transmission Line could not be sustained during trial charging.

However, power supply to Gangtok city remains normal, as all three stations are currently being fed through the ring main system.

In Mangan District, during trial charging of the 66 kV Perbing-Phodong Transmission Line, heavy sparking and noise were observed near the GB Pant Wildlife Sanctuary area, resulting in the disruption of supply across Mangan District.

The Power Department has deployed transmission teams, and patrolling of the affected lines will commence early tomorrow morning to identify the faults and carry out restoration works on priority. All efforts are being made to restore normal power supply at the earliest.

The department said in its release that it regrets the inconvenience caused and seeks the cooperation of the public during the restoration process.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
At least Gangtok city's supply is normal, thank goodness. But feel so bad for the people in Mangan and Pakyong. These remote areas suffer the most. The department's response seems prompt, but prevention is better than cure. Stay safe, everyone! 🙏
R
Robert G
Visiting Sikkim and staying near Singtam. Experienced the loud noise and sparking first-hand – it was quite alarming! Appreciate the clear communication from the authorities about what happened and the restoration plan. Hope the teams have a safe patrol tomorrow.
A
Aman W
The mention of the GB Pant Wildlife Sanctuary area is concerning. Hope the sparking didn't cause any fire risk for the sanctuary. Nature's fury combined with fragile infrastructure is a tough challenge for our hill states.
K
Kavya N
It's good they are patrolling at first light. These restoration teams work in very difficult terrain. We should cooperate as the department requested. Maybe time to look at underground cabling for critical lines, though I know it's expensive.
V
Varun X
Respectfully, while the department is acting now, there seems to be a pattern. "Trial charging" failing on multiple lines suggests maybe the maintenance schedule or the equipment needs a review. Let's not just fix faults, but find a long-term solution.

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