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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