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Four hydel power projects in Dzongu scrapped
The State Government has scrapped both the Rangyong and Lingzya hydel power projects, which they had initially signed MoUs with private developers while no definite proposals were made for Ringpi and Rukel power projects, both located inside the Khangchendzonga National Park in Dzongu. “The government took a conscious decision not to allot these projects to any developer to conserve the environment and ecology of the area,” the letter pointed out.
“This is the victory of the people of Sikkim. The scrapping of the four projects is a positive step towards protection of Sikkim, its nature and environment,” said ACT chief coordinator, Tseten Lepcha while addressing a press conference yesterday.
Referring to the initiative of the Chungthang Gram Panchayat committee for having taken just and bold steps to
establish an effective communication between the Government and the people, due to which this development has taken place, ACT chief coordinator expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Pawan Chamling for his personal intervention in considering the wishes of the people of Dzongu.
Panchayat president, Chungthang Gram Panchayat, Lhendup Lepcha said, “Since we thought bigger organizations would take up the step, we prolonged our move. But as things got prolonged further making some matters worse, we took up the task of meeting the Chief Minister.”
While assuring ACT to further request the CM for renewal of harmony and peace, Chungthang Panchayat sought a bit of sacrifice from both the parties.
Besides, ACT also thanked all the political parties, social organisations and friends both in the government and outside who sympathized with their cause and supported them throughout their struggle.
Talking to this reporter, Dawa and Tenzing, who seemed not so happy over the development said, “We should say we are happy at the moment. But our main concern is Panan hydel power project and Teesta Stage IV.”
The government in the letter to ACT president has clearly specified that the 280 MW Panan hydro electric project would be taken up for development purpose apart from Teesta Stage IV, which is also being developed by NHPC.
But Dawa Tenzing is hopeful that the Panan hydel power projects and Teesta Stage IV would be scrapped. “Teesta Stage III is itself a big project, which would be more than sufficient for the development of the State,” he said.
On the other hand, the State Government is confident that Panan project will bring direct benefits like employment, education, business and better infrastructure like roads, telephone, power, health besides indirect socio-economic gains.
The State Government believes that the scrapping of Panan project would entail huge losses incurred towards survey and investigation, preparation of detailed project report, preparation of EMP reports, obtaining clearances, land acquisition etc. The Government also feels that the scrapping of Panan may also lead to the creation of negative environment against the hydropower development in other parts of the State.
It also believes that the project is located in the downstream reach of Tholung Chu involving least interference with nature.
Meanwhile, ACT has said that the relay hunger strike of the Satyagraha would continue till the sanctity and the rich biodiversity of Dzongu is fully protected and Panan project also scrapped.
“This is the victory of the people of Sikkim. The scrapping of the four projects is a positive step towards protection of Sikkim, its nature and environment,” said ACT chief coordinator, Tseten Lepcha while addressing a press conference yesterday.
Referring to the initiative of the Chungthang Gram Panchayat committee for having taken just and bold steps to
establish an effective communication between the Government and the people, due to which this development has taken place, ACT chief coordinator expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Pawan Chamling for his personal intervention in considering the wishes of the people of Dzongu. Panchayat president, Chungthang Gram Panchayat, Lhendup Lepcha said, “Since we thought bigger organizations would take up the step, we prolonged our move. But as things got prolonged further making some matters worse, we took up the task of meeting the Chief Minister.”
While assuring ACT to further request the CM for renewal of harmony and peace, Chungthang Panchayat sought a bit of sacrifice from both the parties.
Besides, ACT also thanked all the political parties, social organisations and friends both in the government and outside who sympathized with their cause and supported them throughout their struggle.
Talking to this reporter, Dawa and Tenzing, who seemed not so happy over the development said, “We should say we are happy at the moment. But our main concern is Panan hydel power project and Teesta Stage IV.”
The government in the letter to ACT president has clearly specified that the 280 MW Panan hydro electric project would be taken up for development purpose apart from Teesta Stage IV, which is also being developed by NHPC.
But Dawa Tenzing is hopeful that the Panan hydel power projects and Teesta Stage IV would be scrapped. “Teesta Stage III is itself a big project, which would be more than sufficient for the development of the State,” he said.On the other hand, the State Government is confident that Panan project will bring direct benefits like employment, education, business and better infrastructure like roads, telephone, power, health besides indirect socio-economic gains.
The State Government believes that the scrapping of Panan project would entail huge losses incurred towards survey and investigation, preparation of detailed project report, preparation of EMP reports, obtaining clearances, land acquisition etc. The Government also feels that the scrapping of Panan may also lead to the creation of negative environment against the hydropower development in other parts of the State.
It also believes that the project is located in the downstream reach of Tholung Chu involving least interference with nature.
Meanwhile, ACT has said that the relay hunger strike of the Satyagraha would continue till the sanctity and the rich biodiversity of Dzongu is fully protected and Panan project also scrapped.
