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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