Ting Ting supporters seek information on High Powered Committee

GANGTOK, 16 Feb: The people supporting the development of the Ting Ting hydel electric project in West Sikkim are in the process of filing an application under the Right to Information Act with the Power department.  The main subject matter for filing the application is seek information on the High Powered committee which was constituted by the state government and chaired by the Chief Secretary.
In this respect the information sought by them is on the constitution of the committee including its members and more importantly information on their visits to the project sites. Also sought is the report of the committee which recommended scrapping of the projects in West Sikkim. Subsequently, the state government also issued a notification notifying the closure of two hydel projects namely Lethang and Ting Ting projects in west district.
As per the contention of the people supporting the projects, they have no knowledge of the constitution of such a committee to review the implementation of the projects in West Sikkim nor were they ever contacted by the members of the committee. In this regard it is informed that the locals of Ting Ting busty never had any interaction with the committee members so on what basis or grounds did the committee finalise and submit its report to the state government recommending scrapping of the projects, it is asked.

Ting Ting project affected want project.

“We need employment and development” say Ting Ting affected
“No idea of High Powered Committee or why Gangtok organizations want scrapping of projects”
GANGTOK, 10 Feb: It is the most ironic turn of events and revelations of all. While Gangtok based organizations among others, have been calling for the scrapping of the 3 hydel projects in West Sikkim to which the government too has acquiesced, the actual affected people are actually very disoriented by the fact the projects have been scrapped. Not only are they disoriented but also confused and aggrieved by the fact that while some organizations have been calling for the scrapping of the projects no one has actually wanted to hear what the project affected people have to say about the projects.
Talking to NOW one of the project affected and whose lands were acquired by the Ting Ting project developers – and just a month ago at that – Subhash Thapa of Ting Ting Gaon confirms that 90% of the project affected families are in favour of the project. “We had the public hearing just a few months ago and during which all the affected families welcomed the project”, he says. His family has sold 3.380 hectares of land to Ting Ting developers, Shiga Energy and likewise many other families have already sold their lands for the hydel project.
In fact the project affected families of Ting Ting have met with their respective Area MLA and let known to him their grievance at the scrapping of the project. “We intend to approach the Chief minister very soon but have to arrange for vehicles and fares for the families”, Subhas shared with NOW. He informs that they have heard of some organization calling for a rally at Geyzing on 13 February. “Why should they come here for a rally, we will protest against such rallies” he expressed further.
What is more ironic about his statements and the sentiments of the project affected is that they do not recall anyone from the high powered committee constituted by the state government to examine the issues related to the implementation of the 3 projects of Lethang, Ting Ting and Tashiding, all on the Rathong Chu. “We don’t know about the committee nor interacted with them at any time; we don’t know what report they put up to the government or how” expresses Subhas, a 30 year old who is also an ex serviceman.
All the people of the area were happy and optimistic over the implementation of the Ting Ting hydel project in their area as it would have brought development as well as employment for the youth of the area he shares. “We have no objection to the project; in fact we welcomed it during the public hearing in September, 2011. There are lots of unemployed girls and boys in the area, they too want gainful employment and development of the area which is nothing but jungle. The organizations protesting against the projects should understand this” stated the project affected person on behalf of all those affected families who are welcoming the project. It was further stated that the chief minister too should listen to the voice of the people, the actual affected. As per the statement made by the project affected they have been waiting for years for the project, 6 years in fact since the MoU was signed. Just in Ting Ting Goan itself there are 58 families, it was informed.
According to the statements made and shared it is apparent that the project affected are frustrated and confused with their hopes of development, which they have been keeping for a long time, having been dashed.
It is not just the project affected of Ting Ting but also of Tashiding HEP who have welcomed the project in their area with the formation of coordination committees as earlier reported by NOW.

Joint delegation calls on Governor to scrap hydel projects on Rathong Chu

GANGTOK, 01 August: A delegation of monks representing the Degoen Jinkyong Tsogchen [All Sikkim Monasteries Association] accompanied by the SIBLAC convenor, Tseten Tashi Bhutia, NASBO president, Sonam Kaleon, and president, Denjong Chyarig Tsogpo, SD Denjongpa, called on the Governor today with regard to the proposed Ting Ting Hydel project on the Rathong Chu.
The delegation submitted a memorandum to the Governor urging him to invoke the special discretionary powers under Article 371 F (g) and “immediately scrap all power projects or any such other activities that pollute the sanctity of Rathongchu or tampers with our religious sentiments”.
 “We would not hesitate to approach any forum, both national and international to achieve our objective for the benefit of all sentient beings if justice is denied by and from constitutional frameworks,” the letter states.

Affected people endorse Ting-Ting HEP

GANGTOK, 25 July: A section of the people of Tashiding-Yuksom constituency, under the banner of “Block Level Project Protection Committee”, has challenged objections raised against the proposed 96 MW Ting Ting hydel project on the Rathong Chu.
A press release issued by the president and general secretary of the Block Level Project Protection Committee, LP Kafley and Tashi Gyatso Bhutia of Tashiding, has also condemned the religious slant being given to base the protests against the project.

NASBO writes to President, wants Merger reviewed because Ting-Ting HEP is cleared

GANGTOK, 24 July: National Sikkimese Bhutia Organisation [NASBO], in a letter addressed to the President of India, has appealed for a review of Sikkim’s annexation with the Indian Union with regard to the proposed 96 MW Ting Ting Hydro-Electric Project over the Rathongchhu river.
The Rathong Chu in West Sikkim is considered a sacred river with the patron saint of the state Guru Padmasambhava having directed its preservation, the letter explains.