Namchi, April 25: A joint inspection was conducted by a team led by Minister for Forest and Environment Department Karma Loday Bhutia, ACS cum PCCF Forest and Environment Department M L Shrivastava, Relief Commissioner cum Secretary Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department Sarala Rai, District Collector South, M. Bharani Kumar, CCF, CF(T), DFO (T) and other officials at IPCA Pharmaceutical Company, South Sikkim, today.
The inspection was held in regards to the issue of alleged illegal construction and encroachment upon forest land.
The inspection started with the team taking a tour of the entire company premises. The Minister and the team thoroughly surveyed the concerned area and took stock of the measures taken by the departments in this respect. The team also inspected the Effluent Treatment Plant and the waste disposal system located within the premises.
After an inclusive inspection of the area and interaction with the concerned authorities, the Minister assured that the issue will be resolved at the earliest. Meanwhile, he briefed that an immediate inquiry was conducted and the alleged illegal construction was stopped instantaneously. The Minister further informed that a Joint Committee has been set up consisting of officials from all the concerned departments and assured that after surveying the area thoroughly if any unlawful/illegal act is found, it would be dealt according to the Forest Act and other necessary provisions of law.
A presentation was also made by the officials of IPCA Pharmaceuticals which highlighted the continuous change in the course of the river leading to significant damages to the Company infrastructure in the year 2020.
The joint inspection was also assisted by officials and staff from Forest Department, Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Namchi District Administration, Information and Public Relations Department and Officials from the IPCA Pharmaceutical Company.
It may be informed here that a press conference has been called for the 26th of April, 2022 at Forest Department to further address the issue in detail.
Source:IPR, Govt. of Sikkim.
