DARJEELING, March 13 - While it hailed in South Bengal,
Sandakphu and Phalut, the upper reaches of Darjeeling hills woke up
about six inches of snow this morning.
Mercury dipped sharply as a cold wave
swept the hills, forcing people indoors early today. The turn of
the weather caught unaware people who have already experienced an
unusually cold winter.
It has already snowed twice this year, once in Darjeeling town.
A snowfall is unusual at this time of the year, indicating that
the weather this year has really lived up to its proverbial unpredictability.
Telephone messages from Sandakphu said that many trekkers had been
stranded in the snow. Though they were said to be enjoying themselves.
The town's hoteliers - who have been kept on tenterhooks since 9/11
were also happy at the nature's bounty.
They expected the March rush of tourists to continue into next month.
Queries reveled booking is already on.
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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