NHPC fined Rs 75 lakh for irresponsible dumping of waste

GANGTOK, 27 Feb: In a move which should caution power developers in the State to avoid irresponsible and illegal dumping of waste materials like excavated debris in this fragile eco-system, the Department of Forests, Environment and Wildlife has fined NHPC a sum of Rs. 75 lakh for violation of Forest laws and unauthorized dumping of muck at Elaichi Khola and the area downstream of Teesta Stage V in the East district.
Keeping in view the fragile environment and vulnerability of flora and fauna in the area surrounding Teesta Stage-V, the Forest Department had directed NHPC to pay a fine of a few crores for rehabilitation purposes which was later reduced to approximately Rs. 75 lakh in an out-of-court settlement.
Speaking to NOW! today, PCCF cum Additional Chief Secretary, M Singh, informed that the Range Officer under whose jurisdiction the affected area falls had submitted a complaint regarding the illegal dumping in these specific spots late last year. The damage to these areas was so drastic that the Forest Department had to take the matter to court for a fair decision.
However, it was known that both the parties compromised and reached an amicable settlement of Rs. 75 lakh, the amount which has now been transferred to the Land Use circle of the Forest Department for early implementation of rehabilitation works in these areas.
“Actually, the damage to these areas was extensive initially when we surveyed the area for which we had fined the power developer a huge sum, but it so happened that the illegal and unauthorized dumping in these areas had been done quite some time back and with the change in seasons most of the muck and debris had been cleared away by rain and the Teesta, because of which the fine component was brought down,” informed the PCCF.
He also informed that protective works in these areas have already started since the fine amount was transferred into the department’s account late last year. The complaint of unauthorized dumping was first raised by the locals of the area who in the initial stages of the construction of Stage V [some five years back] were unawares about what was happening back then.
“Earlier, the people were not aware that this was a violation but as years passed the locals of the area realized that the Forest Department actually has diversions in place for dumping which are also known as authorized dumping areas, which were not being used by the power developers thereby violating the law,” he informed.
It was further mentioned that since the power projects are here for developmental works in the state which is also why the Forest Department decided to come to an out of court settlement.
“The fine amount was agreed to by both parties and an amicable solution reached after a thorough assessment. The fine amount was also decided upon by the Central Monitoring Committee who also visited these areas which by the time was not in such a bad shape as it was when the complaint was initially made. We had to agree as our evidence was washed away by the river and also because we didn’t want the developmental pace in Sikkim to be affected,” explained the PCCF.