POTENTIALS OF HYDRO-RESOURCES

SIKKIM

The state of Sikkim is blessed with tremendous hydroelectric power potential that
has been worked out at 8000 MW Peak and a firm base of 3000 MW. Approximately seventy
miles North East stretch of Sikkimese territory possesses a land gradient that lies roughly
between 500 feet to 28,000 feet above mean sea level. Due to this amazing terrain Sikkim
houses some of the most turbulent and swiftest rivulets in the world that is best suited for
harnessing hydel power potential. Calculation of water power reserves is usually based
on 95% or 50% dependable discharge. All hydel project in the state being run of the river
ones, there is no room for spinning reserve, which means the generation capacity during the
winter months cannot be raised more than half the generation capacity. Besides like the
Diesel Engines, where the decompression due to wear and tear causes de-ration of capacity,
hydro-turbines also follow the same rule and unless these machines are maintained as per set
routine, they become sluggish affecting the generation capacity adversely. As such, it is very
important that all the civil structures right from intake weir to tailrace including hydro-
mechanical parts are maintained and re-strengthened periodically thereby giving them a new
lease of life. The state manages partially only to meet its base load demand from its run-of-
the- river hydel power plants. Unlike other mode of generating stations like Thermal, Diesel,
Gas or Nuclear, which run on fuel, the hydro generating stations run on availability of water.
Quality and quantity of water running the turbines play an important role on its life and
output of the machine respectively. As for example, a Diesel engine requires more fuel to run
on higher load than at lesser load, the hydro generating sets also require more water to run the
turbine at higher load profile. But the department is not in a position to attend to the routine
maintenance and periodical renovation on all the installations owned by the Department due
to the reasons like unproductive expenses on wages and salaries and huge pending liabilities,
which have been brought to the knowledge of the Government. Though the first generating
unit was installed in the State as early as in 27th May, 1927, it was only in 1962 that the
electricity was made available to the general public in Gangtok. In the meanwhile, the
demand started growing at a rather slow pace and the State Government added some meager
capacity by installing DG sets and micro hydel units progressively.

The comparative status power in the state is given below:

Sl.no Particulars 1975 2005

1. Generation Capacity 2.98 Mw 100.70 MW

2. Sub-Station Capacity 66/11 KV Nil 87.50 MVA
3. Revenue collection 0.0095 Cr. 21.87 Cr.
4. Rural electrification in terms of Nil 90 percent
household element
5. Number of rural household provided Nil 15800 nos.
with two points free connections
 6. Energy Consumptions 0.45MU 250 MU
7. Number of consumer 2400 nos. 61949nos.

POTENTIALS OF HYDRO-RESOURCES

DARJEELING

Hydropower is playing an important role in saving the environment because it does

not contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and has been accepted as a cost effective and key
option for avoiding green house gas emission in future.

In India, the first hydropower generating unit was commissioned in 1897 in

Darjeeling. The country has large hydroelectric resources with an estimated potential of
84,000 mw at 60% load factor. Power planners after assessing the demands of various
regions; have recommended that the share of hydropower should at least be 40% of the total
capacity so that the system can be operated with firm reliability.

The Darjeeling Municipality is the pioneer in supplying electricity not only in West
Bengal but can also claim to be one of the first in India to have an electricity-supply
undertaking. Its present licensed area covers Darjeeling town as also a number of
neighbouring tea gardens. The other private licensee in the district is the Kalimpong Electric
supply Co., which commenced distribution of electricity. Another erstwhile licensee, the
Kurseong Hydroelectric Co.Ltd., which distributed power in Kurseong and Siliguri under two
separate licences by the Electricity Development Directorate of the Government of West
Bengal and was subsequently merged with the West Bengal State Electricity Board on 1 st
may 1955. The Kurseong Hydroelectric Power Station was strengthened , and this was
followed by the installation of a small hydro-generating station at Bijenbari. With a view to
exploiting the immense potentiality of the water power of the Jaldhaka river, a scheme was
prepared and implemented by the state Electricity Board, under which a medium sized
hydroelectric generating station was set up at parent in Bhutan, a little away from the
Darjeeling border, and it started supplying electricity from 31st march 1967.Under the first
phase of the scheme about 27 Mw will be generated. Incidentally, although the area
consisting of the district for a long time, meeting the demands of neighbouring tea gardens.
The Jaldhaka Project of the State Government plans to harness the huge water potential of the
Jaldhaka river for generation of power on a much bigger scale. It will supply electricity not
only to the various towns of North Bengal but will also cater to the needs of other large
consumers including tea gardens.

In order to meet the growing demands of the Darjeeling area, which cannot be
satisfied by the Jaldhaka Project alone, the little Rangit scheme has been implemented to
generate additional power. It has set up a hydroelectric station near Bijanbari in Pulbazar
police station for tapping the little Rangit river, and supplies power to the rural areas of
Bijanbari, Sukhiapokhri, Jore Bungalow and Takdah.
 PROSPECTS AND IMPLICATION OF HYDRO-RESOURCES

SIKKIM

Jorethang Hydel Project-(Dans Energy)

Dans energy Pvt. Ltd. is an independent power producer signed on MOU with the Sikkin
Govt. on 5th Dec 2005 for the implementation of 96 MW Jorethang Loop HYDRO-Electro
Project on a build, Own Operate and Transfer basis. The operational period extends fof 35
years from commercial operation date of the project. Dans Energy is promoted by the DANS
Group and is a special purpose vehicle for the implementation of Jorethang Loop Hydro-
Electric Project (JLHEP).

The JLHEP, a Run-of-River hydro-electric project is the terminal project in the cascade
development of five projects (the up stream four projects conceived by CWC are Rangit
River Stage I toIV) planned on the Rangit river in Sikkim,which is tributary of the Teesta
River. It is located in South Sikkim about 5km upstream of Jorethang town.

The Project eviuisages a Barrage with Silt Excluder arrangement on the main Rangit river
near the village Pipley, a power intake on the left bank to divert the flows into 6.8 km long
Head Race tunnel along the chord of the Jorethang Loop, a surface Powerhouse at the
confluence of the Rangit river with the Bhari Khola with installation of 96MW,a Tailrace
pool, an outdoor 220KV Double Circuit Transmission line of 13km length to evacuate the
power to the grid station at Melli. The plant will have an installed capacity of 96MW and a
total average annual energy generation (50% dependable year) of around 535 GWh (Million
Units)

Tashiding Hydro Electric Project

The Tashiding Hydroelectric Project (THEP) is a run of the river hydro project proposed for
development on the Rathong Chu River,a tributary of Rangit River, in West Sikkim. The
project will have an installed capacityof 97MW and generate approximately 439.04 GWh of
electricity per.annum.The project being implemented by Shiga Energy Private Limited. The
(THEP was allotted to SEPL under private sector participation in implementation of project.
The electricity generated by the project will be exported to North Eastern .Western and
North-Estern (NEWNE) region grid via Eastern Regional Load Dispatch Centre, which
supplies electricity to the Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, West Bengal, Sikkim and Andaman-
Nicobar. This network also obtains a proportion of its electricity from the central sector.
Teesta Hydel Project

The Teesta and Rangit valleys can offer a magnificent model to develop all
resources under one comprehensive programme. Sikkim has a very good option to use waters
of the Teesta, Rangit and their tributaries for generation of electricity and other uses. Sikkim
is drained by a large number of perennial rivers, the prominent ones being the Teesta and the
Rangit. The Teesta descends from an elevation of about 3600m to about 300m over a distance
of 175 km. The Teesta could be harnessed for power generation in six stages.

Hydro-power is renewable, economic, non-polluting and environmentally benign

source of energy. It has inherent ability for instantaneous starting, stopping, road variations
etc. And help in improving reliability of power system such as no fuel cost as it is a non-
consumptive use of water, best choice for meeting the peak demand; inflation free and cost of
generation reduces with time.

The entire Teesta and Rangit river basins warrant a unified resources development
programme. It could help to do more together than their efforts could possibly accomplish
separately. Hydropower development in plains involves construction of huge dams,
displacement of habitats and submergence of land and properties. Whereas in hills it is very
simple and are very environment friendly. The projects in the Teesta cascade are all
underground except the diversion dam, which hardly involves displacement and
submergence. Rangit HE Project (60MW) is an operation and 510 MW Teesta HE Project
Stage V is commissioned by NHPC under central sector. Central West Commission is
engaged in investigation of Rangit Stage –II and Stage –IV.

DARJEELING

The Darjeeling Municipality is the pioneer in supplying electricity not only in West
Bengal but can also claim to be one of the first in India to have an electricity-supply
undertaking. Some of the hydroelectric power stations are as follows:

Jaldhaka Project

With a view to exploiting the immense potentiality of the water power of the Jaldhaka
river, a scheme was prepared and implemented by the State Electricity Board, under which a
medium sized hydroelectric generating station was set up at Paren in Bhutan, a little away
from Darjeeling border and it started supplying electricity from 31 st March 1967. Under the
first phase of the Scheme about Mw will be generated which is expected to be increased
ultimately to 36Mw under the second phase. Incidentally although the area consisting of the
districts of Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Koch-Bihar has a tremendous hydro-electric potential,
only a few small hydroelectric stations, fed by hill streams have been in operation in
Darjeeling district for a long time, meeting the demands of neighbouring tea gardens. The
Jaldhaka Project of the state Government plans to harness the huge water potential of the
Jaldhaka river for generation of power on a much bigger scale. It will supply electricity not
only to the various towns of North Bengal but will also cater to the needs of other large
consumers including tea gardens.
Little Rangit Scheme

To meet the growing demands of the Darjeeling area, which cannot be satisfied by the
Jaldhaka Project alone, the Little Rangit Scheme has been implemented to generate additional
power. It has set up a hydroelectric station near Bijanbari in Pulbazar Police Station for
tapping the Little Rangit river and supplies power to the rural areas of Bijanbari,
Sukhiapokhari, Jore Bunglalow and Takdah.

At present distribution lines have been drawn over long distances to ensure power supply to a
large number of tea estates. Besides, a number of rural areas around Siliguri, Kurseong and
Darjeeling namely Matigara, Bagdogra, Sonada, Sukhiapokhari, Bijanbari, Pulbazar and
Takdah have been electrifies by the State Electricity Board.

COMMUNICATION AND INDUSTRIAL DEVEOPMENT

SIKKIM

Sikkim in the last 20 years or so, as a state of Indian union, has undergone a multi-
dimensional transformation of its socio-economic system in an attempt to align itself to the
Indian economy. The mountainous terrain and isolated location of the state, has however
been an implement in the absorption of the liberalization process that have been sweeping the
rest of the country.

Industrialization

The current status of industrialization of Sikkim which was and still is primarily an agrarian
state, needs to be seriously reviewed. At present 929 industrial units have been registered in
the small scale sector. Unfortunately , only a small number of units are still functioning, and
the rest have closed down due to various reasons. Only two medium scale units were
functioning in Sikkim. The reasons for failure of the many industrial units are manifold. The
cause of sickness can be attributed to mismanagement, incorrect choice of products, sudden
removal of central government subsidies, inadequate markets etc. Many units were
established in Sikkim because of legal/taxation advantages which were quickly abandoned
when these advantages ceased to exit. Sadly, the recent history of, the industrialization
process in the Sikkim has been unhappy but with the opening of the Indian economy, Sikkim
is poised to jump start once again in the industrial sector. The advantage factors of Sikkim are
numerous and can enable it to develop into a strong economy with a well-developed
industrial base.

There is an investor friendly environment in the state with no law and order problems.
The bureaucracy and the government are proactive participants in the development process.
They are responsive to the needs of the state and are easily approachable. They are very few
industrial regulation enforced in the state. Consequently, application for the setting up of
industrial units is processed rapidly and entrepreneurs do not face unnecessary delays in the
clearance of their projects. The industrial relations in the state are excellent with no history of
 labour trouble. This could be one of the biggest suitability of Sikkim for speeding up
industrialization. The position of power generation in Sikkim is comfortable and is also one
of the cheapest in the region, which again is a great for investment in Sikkim. New power
projects, especially, at Rathongchu, will double the generation of power in Sikkim in the near
future.

However, there are a number of problems which have hampered economic and
industrial development in Sikkim which is briefly discussed below.

Due to low literacy rates and few poly-techniques, the majority of employable people
in Sikkim have in the category of semi-skilled or unskilled. There is also a dearth of higher
technical and management expertise in the state. The available resources in the state have not
been utilized adequately for industrialization. There is practically no value-addition to the
agro-forestry raw materials produced in the state. The balance of trade is unfavourable for
Sikkim and therefore, the outflow of funds from the state is more than inflow. The credit
deposit ratio of the bank is also one of the lowest in the country hovering around 20%. The
absence of an air link and rail head has negatively affected industrialization. The cost of land
development due to absence of flat areas has also restarted industrial growth. The training
facilities in the state are inadequate and not in tune with the needs of industry.
Communication facilities are also inadequately developed.

Some important Industries found in Sikkim are

 Agro-based industry
 Animal husbandry and Dairy products industry
 Forest industry
 Handicrafts
 Electronic and software
 Tourism and
 Miscellaneous.

The agricultural base offers scope for a diversified agro-processing industry. There
are substantial prospects for the horticulture and floriculture industries which are hitherto
under developed.

Horticulture is food processing industry in its nascent states in Sikkim; in spite of the
Plethora of fruits, vegetable and spices that can be cultivated in its varied agro-climatic
environment. The climate of Sikkim is ideal for horticulture farming, with sitting of captive
plantation or contract fames for the establishment of the food-processing industry.
Horticulture sector income passes the processing of fruits, vegetables, spices and tea.

Sikkim’s varied climate is ideal for the cultivation of a variety of temperate fruits. The
following is the production details of some of the fruits in (1991-1992).

The diverse agro-climatic conditions of the state are ideal for the cultivation of a large
variety of species, fruits and off-seasons vegetables which could form a large variety food
processing industry. The dense forests are home to variety of medicinal plants and herbs
which have wide industrial and medicinal applications. The torrential mountain streams and
rivers are excellent sources for the generation of hydel power. Additionally, the water bodies
are also rich in varied aqua or fisheries and others which lead to commercial growth. The low
environment pollution and Semi-Greenfield conditions of Sikkim are rare in the modern
industrial context. This is conductive for the development of the electronics industry.
Tourism and floriculture are two other industrial sectors where the potential of Sikkim is
tremendous.

COMMUNICATION (Sikkim)

Postal and Telecome: Postal system is a vital for growth and modernization and it is fast
emerging as an important component of the modern communication and information sector.
The Indian postal system is the largest in the world, with a network of about 1.55 lakhs post
offices. Of these, 1.28 lakhs are in rural areas. The state Sikkim alone has 5Head Post
Offices. The computerization and modernization in most of the offices are completed. The
computerization and networking greatly improve the quality and efficiency of existing
services.

Telecom acts as a stimulus for the development process. Over the past decades, Sikkim’s
achievement in this sector has been quite impressive both in fixed line phones and cellular
mobile phones. The state witnessed tremendous increase in cellular mobile phones
subscriber. More and more users of fixed line are crossing over to mobile communication.
Mobile telecommunications and the internet are going to set the counters of further
technological progress over the next two decades.

Media

Print and electronic media are the two most common medium of communication in the world
today. The media is considered as the important channel of knowledge dissemination. The
development of the media therefore can be taken as another rough index in knowledge
dissemination in the state. The number of publications and growth of readership in Sikkim is
expanding rapidly. The reason for such expansion is attributed to rise of literacy rate in the
state. There are at present more than 70 daily’s bi-weekly and weekly papers in Sikkim. The
Sikkim Express and Sikkim Now in English and Samay Dainik and Hamro Prajashakti in
Nepali language are widely circulated local papers in Sikkim. The National newspaper like
Hindustan Times , Times of India, The Hindu, Indian Express, The Telegraph and The
Statesman are available in Sikkim. National news magazines like India Today, Frontline,
Outlook, The Week Published from India and Himal Khabar Patrika published from
Kathmandu are also available in the state. Cable and Dish Television coverage has expanded
very rapidly over the past one decade. Internet is currently the faster growing media channel
in Sikkim. CIC’s have been set up in different part of state to bridge the digital gap.
DARJEELING

Industrialization

The district of Darjeeling is the northern most district of the state of the West
Bengal .Lying on the foot hills of Himalayas; district is the gateway to the state of Sikkim
and the boarding countries of Bhutan and Nepal. Well now coming back to the industrial
development forest is an important resource for economic development. The area is under
forest of 124575 hectares which is 38.28% of the total area of the district. The district is rich
in minor forest resources like Amliso grasses (used for making brooms and cattle fodder,
matala fruits which are used for decoration purposes etc).Agriculture and tourism is the major
industries of the districts. The district has rich forest coverage with major forest resources
being citronella grass, Sal , leaves, honey, medicinal plant etc. Proper infrastructural support
is needed to develop pharmaceutical and ayurveda units in the districts. Power supply
facilities needed to be enhance. Not much land is available for industrial uses. For
development of technical skill and knowledge of masses, various skill- based training
programmes needed to be4organized.

There are good prospects for tea industries in Darjeeling. Darjeeling tea is widely and
universally acknowledged to be the finest tea because its flavour is so unique that is cannot be
replicated anywhere else in the world. The annual production of Darjrlling tea is approx. 10
million kg. Since 1866, peace was established in Darjeeling which paved the way for all
round development in the hills. In agricultures three areas saw significant development.

Darjeeling Handicraft

Darjeeling’s handicrafts enjoy a well-earned reputation for their artistic designs and quality.
They have borrowed freely from the techniques in vogue in Sikkim, Bhutan and Tibet. In
recent years there has been a diversification into newer fields of art and craft without
sacrificing the traditional outlook. The more important handicrafts of the district include bell-
metal work, woolen carpets with various designs, appliqué work, woodcraft, embroidered
fire-screens, wooden masks, ornamental trinkets, Lepcha’s weave and bamboo craft.

Other Handicrafts

Decorative Nepali Kukris(knives) are made at Ghum and Sevoke (Sukhiapokhari).Baskets

are made in Darjeeling and Kalimpong. Jackets, Tibetan hats and Hanju coats (the latter made
from handloom cloth) are produced in Darjeeling town. Kalimpong is long known as a centre
for manufacturing handmade paper from barks.

Resource-Based Industries
Food Processing: Darjeeling district alone produces approximately 90,000 tonnes of
pineapple, 20,000 tonnes of oranges, 80,000 tonnes of tomato per annum . Besides as much
as 6,00,000 nos. of oranges per day are available in peak. Season from Sikkim. These huge
resources of raw fruits justifies setting up of an integrated plant for producing various items
like orange squash, orange marmalade, tomato sauce , vinegar, juice, pineapple rings, frozen
fruits etc.

Floriculture: existing production of 60 MT of flowers in Darjeeling district and 20 MT

available from Sikkim can easily be exploited. Besides flower cymbidiums, cypripedium and
other orchards, cactuses, bulbs etc. which are in huge demand, are available in abundance.

Wood base industries: Large forest cover with abundant supply of wood, bamboo, cane etc.
provides excellent of plywood, veneer, particle board from wood dust, wood furniture, wood
charcoal, cane furniture etc.

Skill based industries: The artisans of these districts create exquisite varieties of ornaments,
carpets, household article, handicrafts and other articles, which are widely acclaimed. The
traditional cottage industries are also includes woollen garments, and cane and bamboo work.
These cottage and handicraft industries however need proper marketing support through
purchase, organising of handicraft exhibitions, formation of societies and guilds etc.

Water Resource: The water resource in North-east is perennial which becomes easy for the
people living here in the valley for the irrigation. Running river water is not only used in
irrigation but also is utilized for generating electric.

Darjeeling Tea Industry:

Darjeeling produces the world’s best aromatic tea. Presently Darjeeling has 86 tea
gardens which produce about 10 million kgs of tea annually. Tea is grown in Darjeeling from
a height of 100 mt (300 ft) to 2,000 mt. (6,000 ft). Output and the quantity of tea varies with
the altitude. Most of the Darjeeling tea estates have China or Chins hybrid plants, although
some tea estates at lower elevations have Assam hybrids too. The average production in the
hill per acre is almost half compared to the production in the warmer plains. If this climate
and high altitude affecting the slow growth of the tea leaf which help to give Darjeeling teas
the flavour for which it is known.

Animal Resource Based Industries

The Huge cattle population in Darjeeling provides an opportunity for a systematic

approach for collection and processing of milk, hides and skins, which are easily available,
can be used to promote leather industry. Handicrafts based leather products exploiting
traditional expertise have ready market due to tourist traffic large urban population also
provides an opportunity for promotion of other animal resource based activities like poultry.

COMMUNICATIONS (Darjeeling)
 Another major progress was made in the area of communication. Steady flow was
invested to build roads in the mountains. In 1881, the famous Darjeeling Himalayan railway
was introduced that provided key rail communication in the hills. Access to Darjeeling from
the plains was made increasingly convenient and comfortable. The first hydro-electrical
power plant in India was built in Darjeeling. It’s another matter that such power system was
never developed for any use other than catering to Darjeeling’s own local requirements.
Darjeeling also became a centre for European education. Number of schools came up in
Darjeeling town, Kurseong and Kalimpoong. Many of them are very highly rated schools
even today and offer boarding facilities. With such development taking place, population in
Darjeeling started growing rapidly, many came here as permanent residence and other for
seasonal retreats. Darjeeling can be reached by the 88 km long Darjeeling Himalayan railway
from new Jalpaiguri or by national highways 55 from Siliguri, 77 km away. The Darjeeling
Himalayan railway is a 600mm (2feet) narrow gauge railway that was declared a world
heritage site by UNISCO in 1999 for being an outstanding example of the influence of an
innovative transportation system on the social and the economic development of a
multicultural region, which was to solve3 as a model for similar development in many part of
world, becoming only the second railway in the world to have thus honor.

Bus services and hired vehicasl connect Darjeeling with Siliguri and Darjeeling has
road connection with Bagdogra, Gangtok and Kathmandu and the neighboring towns of
kurseong and Kalimpong. However, road and railway communication often gets disrupted in
the monsoon because of the landslide. The nearest airport is Bagdoigra airport located 90km
(56mi) from Darjeeling. Within the town people usually travel by walking. Residences also
use two wheelers and higher taxies for travelling short distances. The Darjeeling ropeways,
functional since 1968, were closed in 2003 after an accident killed four tourists it reopened
in February 2012.

The Darjeeling Himalaya Railway

Transport (Rail and Roads): In 1878 “a contract was placed with Messer. Tom
Mitchell and Rumsey of Calcutta for the construction of tramway to Darjeeling. At the close
of the year following, the E.I.RAILWAY workshops at Jamalpur under took the building of
engines for this line, the first being named ‘TINEY’. At that time the tramline worked up a
zig zag from Gayabari to Giddapahar(between the Mahanandi and Kurseong stations, and did
not worm 5 miles round the spur as at present),and as the gradient was severe it followed that
only very light vehicles were run on the line. The Tiny was first brought into use on the
occasions of the visit of Lord Lytton ,the Viceroy, in March 1880,and proved incapable of
dragging the extra baggage which such a visit entailed and so an army of coolies was
immediately pressed into service..to drag its precious freight to the 18th mile terminus…
Shortly after this visit, the steam tramway was extended to Tung, from which station the
traveller rode in a Tonga to Darjeeling until July 4 th,1881,when the line was pushed on to the
terminus and its designation changed to that of The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.’

Later on the toy train with its two feet gauge and its miniature locomotives, built by
Messrs. Sharpe, Stewart and Co.of Glasgow, were capable of drawing of short distances a 50-
ton load up a gradient of 1 in every 15 feet. Some of these engines are still there. At the
beginning of this century, the speed of the trains was limited to 10 miles an hour on the hill
section as a safeguard against accidents, especially on the down journey. The line cost about
£3,500(or Rs 52,000 at the then prevalent rate of exchange) per mile. The Cart Road along
which it was constructed, was handed over by the Public Works Department to Railway
authorities to provide for its prompt and adequate repairs as well as to ensure the running of
the traffic even during the rains. At least 550 small bridges and culverts had to be constructed
to lay the line.