Chungthang unhappy with delay in rim treatment at Teesta Stage-III

CHUNGTHANG, 29 May: Residents of different wards under Chungthang GPU expressed their dissatisfaction with the Teesta Urja Company, which is developing the 1,200 MW Teesta Stage III project at Chungthang in North Sikkim, for non execution of rim treatment in the area. The public of Chungthang raised the issue at the Gram Sabha convened here on 28 May.
It may be informed here that rim treatment seeks to mitigate the geo-environmental hazards in a project area.
Samdup Lepcha from Pegong ward claimed that tremors rippled by blasting undertaken for project construction had resulted in maximum damages in his area. Highlighting that the company has not fulfilled its commitments under its Rehabilitation & Resettlement policy, he informed that proper rim treatment is required below Pegong village where the project is under construction.
The locals also contended that the company is issuing contract works at old rates [of 2006 vintage] and local contractors are incurring losses due to this. This, they further stated, had been intimated to the company officials but they have remained willing to make any changes.
The public further mentioned that the company has not provided details with regard to the duration of the scholarship awarded to students.
The footpath and land in the Chorten ward has also been extensively damaged due to project construction works, it was informed. The people of the affected areas have demanded that the project developer fulfill its commitments towards the public.