The first hydel power station of the country,
set up in a remote corner known as Sidrapong, seems to have
been forgotten by the authorities. The government apathy has
meant closure of this more-than-a-century-old treasure.
As one approaches this deep gorge located
nearly 12 km below Darjeeling,
there is little to indicate anything momentous.
Almost hidden by overgrowth, both literal
and metaphorical, lies the Sidrapong hydel power station,
the first such power station of India, commissioned on 10
November 1897 by CC Stevens, the then Acting Lieutenant of
Bengal. What lighted up the newly-founded hill resort, making
it a first for the country, perhaps even Asia, is now under
the shadow of official apathy.
The 500 KW station was operational until the mid-1980s. Landslides
that damaged the flumes brought production to a standstill.
In 1997, it was revived again, with the SEB, which took over
the station from the Darjeeling Municipality in 1978, deciding
to celebrate the station's centenary. Sidrapong is located
at a distance of about 12 km down hill from the famous tourist
destination of Darjeeling. Yet this place is rarely frequented
by the tourists. Almost hidden by overgrowth, lies the Sidrapong
hydel power station. The power station was commissioned by
CC Stevens, the then Acting Lieutenant of Bengal on 10 November
1897. This lighted up the hill resort, a first in the country…
probably a first in Asia.
The station with a capacity of 500 KW was
operating as recently as the mid-80`s. The station was damaged
around this time due to landslide and remained shut for a
decade. The State Electricity Board revived the power station
again in 1997 to mark centenary of the station. The Central
Government also showed enthusiasm in the plant and declared
it as a `Heritage Power Station`. Unfortunately the illumination
was short lived. In six months time mechanical problems led
to closure of the station. Since then work has been continuing
but the pace of the same can be judged by the simple fact
that 6 years has not been long enough to solve these technical
problems.
The station with a capacity of 500 KW was
operating as recently as the mid-80`s. The station was damaged
around this time due to landslide and remained shut for a
decade. The State Electricity Board revived the power station
again in 1997 to mark centenary of the station. The Central
Government also showed enthusiasm in the plant and declared
it as a `Heritage Power Station`. Unfortunately the illumination
was short lived. In six months time mechanical problems led
to closure of the station. Since then work has been continuing
but the pace of the same can be judged by the simple fact
that 6 years has not been long enough to solve these technical
problems. |
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