sikkim lab to maximise land utility

SIKKIM: Lab to maximise land utility

FROM THE STATESMAN

GANGTOK, 16 JUNE: A full-fledged geo-technical lab is set to ensure maximum land utilisation in Sikkim. The state mines and geology department has initiated the task to modernise its laboratory to derive first hand data on different geological aspects of the Himalayan state.

Mr T Tashi, director, mines and geology department, said: “The laboratory would facilitate all geological tests that otherwise would have be sent to Kolkata.” The department has deployed seven officials for geo-technical experiments and study in the state.

It is also learnt that the state government is planning to revise the land stability data of Gangtok prepared in 1992.

Mr AK Sharma, joint director, geology, informed that the survey would include soil testing and rock testing after drilling in select regions throughout the state. The report would be used to prepare a new stability map. Initiated in 2008, the process is expected to be over by 2012.

It may be mentioned that a land stability report issued by the mines and geology office is a mandatory document for any constructional work in the state.
The office has also reported high quality silica content along Mansari in West and Manpur in South districts.

The ongoing survey has revealed more than 99 per cent silica presence in the said regions, while dolomite exploration has begun in the Western and Southern parts of the state.