Dzongu’s resolve to reject hydel projects welcomed

The Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT), Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee and Sangha MLA, Sonam Lama have welcomed the decision of the people of Dzongu led by the Deputy Speaker cum area MLA, Sonam Gyatso Lepcha to oppose all forms of Hydro Electric Power Projects in the area.
It is informed that this decision was made during a brainstorming and coordination session held on 10 May at Hee Gyathang in Lower Dzongu which was attended by the area MLA, Mr Lepcha, panchayats and government employees.

NASBO conveys complaints against hydel developer from Sumin

GANGTOK, 14 May: A delegation of monks from Sumin basti, East Sikkim, once again approached the Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee convener Tseten Tashi Bhutia and National Sikkimese Bhutia Organization [NASBO] president Sonam Lama Kaloen at Gangtok yesterday “expressing their fear and displeasure over the manner in which the Madhya Bharati Company Ltd developing the Rongnichu Hydro Electric Project in the area, is forcefully imposing acquisition of the private land of the local monk community”, a NASBO press release informs.
The release states that most of the land owners in question have less than five acres and goes on to allege that representatives of the power developer have created nuisance for the people with their persistence.
The release informs that when last approached by the landowners, the two organsiations had approached the State Government following which the Chief Secretary [on March 12, 2013] had directed the DC [East] to look into the matter.
“After this, it appears that the matter is put to the administrative dustbin thereby lending the innocent lay and monk community to the hitherto mental agony of all sorts, almost every day,” the release contends.
NASBO has appealed afresh to the State Government “to ensure that mental peace and order is restored amongst the lay and monk residents of the Sumin”.

Thangu HEP developer moves HC to challenge termination of agreement

WITH THIS, ALL FOUR TERMINATED HYDEL PROJECTS IN NORTH SIKKIM ARE BEING CHALLENGED IN COURT
GANGTOK, 27 Nov: Another hydropower developer has approached the High Court of Sikkim challenging the State Government’s decision to terminate its agreement for developing a hydel project in North Sikkim. Himalayan Green Energy Private Limited has taken the government to court over the cancellation of its agreement to develop a hydel project on the Teesta near Thangu.
The company was developing the 280 MW Teesta Stage-I HEP near Thangu, North Sikkim. Earlier this year, the State Government had terminated a total of 4 hydel projects in North Sikkim. The developers of the other three projects have already challenged the decision in the high court, and now, the fourth developer has also approached the Court seeking redressal.
The petition challenges the order of the state government issued on 21 June, 2012 which states that the government has decided to terminate the agreement for developing of the respective hydropower projects. The court has issued notice to the state government.
Furthermore, the court, for now, has directed that the state respondents are not to create any third party interest with respect to the project related works and also directed the state through the DGP to ensure that the property of the petitioner in the area is adequately protected.
The other 3 terminated hydel developers who have challenged their project termination include Lachung Hydropower Private Ltd which was engaged in the development of the 99 MW Lachung HEP on the Lachungchu; Teesta Hydropower which was engaged in the development of the 99MW Bhimkyong HEP also on the Lachungchu at Bhimkyong village, North Sikkim and Chungthang Hydropower which was engaged in the development of 99 MW Bop HEP also on the Lachungchu in Bop village.
The Lachungchu is a tributary of the Teesta and these projects are located upstream of the 1,200 MW Teesta Stage-III being developed by Teesta Urja at Chungthang.
Earlier, while terminating these projects, State Government officials had informed of a host of factors behind the decision to scrap the projects. These included disinterest of the affected people and the post-18 September earthquake apprehensions along with the potential environmental impact. While the letter of termination was issued on 21 June the Cabinet decision on this had been taken earlier.

Developers of 3 scrapped hydel projects move High Court to challenge Govt decision

GANGTOK, 20 Aug: The State government has some additional hydel problems coming up with three companies approaching the High Court of Sikkim challenging the government’s decision to scrap projects awarded to them. Lachen Hydro Project Ltd, Chungthang Hydro Project Ltd and Teesta Hydro Projects Ltd have filed separate writ petitions in the High Court challenging the decision of the State government to terminate their agreements for development of hydel projects in the state. This is related to the decision of the government to terminate the Bop, Bhimkyong and Lachung hydroelectric projects.
All three companies were engaged in the development of hydro-power projects in North Sikkim on the Lachung axis and claim to have already invested huge sums of money into their respective projects.
Lachung Hydropower Private Ltd was engaged in the development of the 99 MW Lachung HEP on the Lachung Chu; Teesta Hydropower was engaged in the development of the 99MW Bhimkyong HEP also on the Lachung Chu at Bhimkyong village, and Chungthang Hydropower was engaged in the development of 99 MW Bop HEP also on the Lachung Chu in Bop village.
The Lachungchu is  a tributary of the Teesta and these projects are located upstream of the 1,200 MW Teesta Stage III being developed by Teesta Urja at Chungthang. Incidentally all three companies developing three different hydro projects appear to have been floated by the same parent company as they have the same Manager (Business Development) in Carl Sabbarwal. The petitions have however been filed separately.
The petitions challenge the order of the State government issued on 21 June, 2012 which announces that the government has decided to terminate the agreement for developing of the respective hydro power projects. It has been submitted that the companies have invested over Rs. 10 crore already in various works associated with the projects. The Letter of Intent in relation to the projects was issued by the government in the year 2006.
The court, for now, has directed that the state respondents are not to create any third party interest in respect to the projects related works which have been terminated and further has directed the state through the DGP to ensure that the property of the petitioner in the area are adequately protected.
Earlier, while terminating these projects, state government officials had proffered a host of factors behind the decision to scrap the projects. These included disinterest of the affected people and the post-18 September Earthquake apprehensions along with the potential environmental impact. While the letter of termination was issued on 21 June the Cabinet decision on this had been taken earlier.
In fact 4 projects had been scrapped, the fourth being the 280MW Teesta Stage I which was being developed by Himalayan Green Energy Private Ltd on the Teesta near Thangu on the Lachen axis upstream of Teesta at Chungthang.
In fact, and as reported earlier, the projects had been consistently opposed by the people of Lachen and Lachung who had  not allowed the project survey and investigation to be undertaken in the area as a result of which even the Detailed Project Reports for these had not been prepared, officials had informed.
The State Government had signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) for the Teesta Stage-I with Polyplex Corporation India Private Limited back in the year 2005 and with Himalayan Green Energy Pvt. Ltd [which is also co-developer of Polyplex Corporation India Pvt Ltd] for the remaining three HEPs in 2008.

High powered committee constituted to look into hydel projects anew

GANGTOK, 24 July: It is likely that more hydro electric projects under various phases of construction could be terminated by the State government. Such a possibility arises out of the constitution of a new High Powered Committee by the State government under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Karma Gyatso, to look into issues concerning the implementation of the hydro electric projects in the State. 
This high powered committee was constituted about a week ago and the gravity with which the government is approaching the issue as well as the earnestness to resolve them can be gauged from the fact that the committee has been directed to submit its first report by the 10th of August, 2012.
Apart from looking into the various issues of the under construction hydro electric power projects, the committee will also to seek to resolve such issues with a view to expedite their implementation.
While the committee is yet to set about its task, it may be recalled that in November last year the government had constituted a high powered committee to look into issues concerning the three hydel projects proposed on the Rathong Chu in West Sikkim. Following the examination of the issues, the committee had recommended the termination of two of the projects, namely, Lethang and Tashiding; subsequently, the government, accepting the committee’s recommendations, had issued a notification for their termination.
It is informed that there are various issues concerning the implementation of the power projects in the state which, after the termination of the 2 projects in West Sikkim and another 4 in north Sikkim recently by the government, number about 23. The issues range from erosion of traditional lifestyles of the people to influx [mainly of labourers] required by the project developers.
One major issue of concern and as testified by the NHPC Teesta Stage V, is the environmental impact of such projects upon a small state such as Sikkim. Particularly in the aftermath of the major earthquake of September last year the government has been cautious of continuing with its unwritten policy of being seen to be overtly friendly to such projects.
It is also a major concern that there is hardly any quality monitoring, as required according to central rules, of the project implementation and in this context it is being opined that this committee might yet recommend some more terminations.
The issue of land compensation and project developers’ corporate social responsibilities are also to be addressed. Some of the issues related to the implementation of the hydel projects have also been taken to the courts.
The high powered committee may yet function in the likes of an inquiry commission as it has also been enabled by the government to interact and call any power developer in the state and direct them to bring the concerned documents. The Committee may recall any document for its understanding and sorting out the issues arising during the course of implementation of power projects and recommend to the government for consequent remedial measures.
The high powered committee also includes the Principal Secretary, Forest, Arvind Kumar; Development Commissioner, AK Yadav; Finance Secretary, KN Bhutia and has the Power Secretary, AK Giri as Member Secretary.

Govt decides to scrap four more hydel projects

CABINET APPROVES PROPOSAL TO SCRAP TEESTA STAGE-I, BOP, BHIMKYONG AND LACHUNG HEPs
GANGTOK, 07 June: In what should come as welcome news for all, the State Government has decided to scrap four more hydel projects, all in North Sikkim on tributaries of the Teesta above Chungthang - three on the Lachung axis and one on the Zema Chu towards Lachen. The decision was officially endorsed by the Cabinet in its 10 May sitting and the notification announcing the same is expected any day now.
The scrapped hydel projects are: the 99 MW Bop HEP, 99 MW Bhimkyong HEP and the 99 MW Lachung HEP on the Lachung Chu and the 280 MW Teesta Stage-I HEP at Lachen.
A host of factors, including disinterest of the affected people and the post-18 September Earthquake apprehensions along with the potential environmental impact, have contributed to the State Government’s decision, it is informed.
The four projects have been consistently opposed by the people of Lachen and Lachung who have not allowed the project survey and investigation to be undertaken in the area as a result of which even the Detailed Project Reports for these have not been prepared yet.
The State Government had signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) for the Teesta Stage-I with Polyplex Corporation India Private Limited back in the year 2005 and with Himalayan Green Energy Pvt. Ltd [which is also co-developer of Polyplex Corporation India Pvt Ltd] for the remaining three HEPs in 2008.
PCE-cum-Secretary, Power & Energy Department, AK Giri, while confirming the Cabinet decision to scrap the four projects, also confirmed that the project developers have not been able to prepare the DPRs for any of the projects due to the opposition of the people and their Dzumsa.
He also confirmed that the people of Lachen and Lachung through their respective Dzumsas had petitioned the government not to disturb the ecology and environment of the area.
After deliberating on the issue at length, the State government has now decided to scrap the said four projects, the Power Secretary confirmed.

Common Platform asks ruling and opposition to enunciate stand on alleged hydel scam

GANGTOK, 17 May: Members of Platform for Joint Action Against Hydro Projects held an emergency meeting today to discuss recent reports of a hydro power scam in the state amounting to Rs 20,000 crore in a national weekly magazine, informs a press release issued by SIBLAC, convenor, Tseten Tashi Bhutia, who is also the coordinator of the group.
The Platform consists of Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC), All Sikkim Educated Self Employed and Unemployed Association (ASESE&UA), National Sikkimese Bhutia Organisation (NASBO 371F), Save Sikkim, All Sikkim Monasteries’ Association (ASMAN), Concerned Lepchas of Sikkim (CLOS), Affected Citizen of Teesta (ACT), Denjong Chyarig Tsogpo and People’s Forum on Earthquake (PFOE) .
According to the release, the meeting noted “with concern” that an alleged scam of such magnitude has escaped the attention of the civil society and political leaders. “The revelation made in the national print media portrays a bad image of Sikkim,” the release underlines.
The Platform also condemns the “inaction of opposition political parties on matter of such immense significance” and remaining “mute spectators”.
Further stating that political leaders of both the ruling and opposition should have played the roles of whistleblowers to combat corruption, the Platform has made an appeal to them to “make their stands clear on this Rs 20,000 crore mega power scam”.

Govt accepts White Paper recommendation, takes in ATPIL as strategic partner for SPDC

MEGA PROJECTS PLACED UNDER POWER DEPTT WATCH, SPDC TO DEVELOP MINI HYDEL PROJECTS
GANGTOK, 08 April: The State government has entered into a strategic joint-venture with ATPIL to run the Sikkim Power Development Corporation [SPDC]. The SPDC is now being operated by ATPIL, the company which has also floated Teesta Urja which is developing the 1,200 MW Teesta Stage-III hydroelectric project at Chungthang, North Sikkim. The State government continues to hold majority equity in the Corporation as it has offloaded 49% equity to ATPIL which was selected from among the best performing private hydel developers in the State, it is informed.
This decision was taken by the State government in light of the poor performance of the SPDC over the past years [among other factors] and in order to infuse some professionalism and expertise into the corporation. For the selection of the strategic joint venture partner, tenders were floated on the basis of which ATPIL was selected to take 49% of the stake in SPDC, it is further learnt.
The managing director, SPDC, in charge of the affairs of the SPDC is from ATPIL and the day to day operations are under ATPIL now. However, in a major policy shift, all major power development projects which were so long under the SPDC have been transferred to the Power Department. The SPDC is now in charge of developing only mini HEPs in the State. A few of these are already under development and all are under 5 MW capacity. Incidentally, the White Paper issued by the State government a few years ago on hydel power development in the State is also informed to have recommended the forging of a strategic joint venture with a private developer for SPDC.
It has been candidly stated that the SPDC, under the Power Department since its establishment in the year 1998, could not function properly due to various shortcomings. Earlier, the corporation was undertaking the big power projects in the State many of which it could not implement in time. Due to this, some agreements entered into with some companies had to be cancelled, including one with ATPIL.
The SPDC itself was established for the development of hydel projects by availing loans from financial institutions, however, several projects could not be completed due to constraints which included organizational capacity limitations, funds and expertise. So, when it could not operate to the expectations of the government and started incurring losses, it was decided to offload 49% equity to a private developer.
Today, as mentioned, the SPDC is engaged in the development of a few mini HEPs in the state while all the big HEPs have been transferred to the Power Department. The strategic joint venture with ATPIL was entered into with by the state government last year.
The government has also made it clear that the SPDC shall have no rights under any Implementation Agreement with any private Independent Power Producer (IPP) entered for development of hydro power projects in the State by such private IPPs and all land acquired by SPDC will now be under the State government.

302 copper wires stolen from hydel project site in Mangan

GANGTOK, 05 Mar: Some miscreants have stolen a huge cache of copper wires from the construction site of the Teesta Stage III hydel project undertaken by Teesta Urja at Ringdang, Mangan. It has been reported that on the night of 02 March, some miscreants stole the copper wires, numbering 302 in all, from the store yard near bend 19 of Teesta Urja Road at Ringdang. Arrests have yet to be made and the material recovered.

Bear on the hill

Coffer Dam at Teesta - III 200 MW HEP

Rangeet River after the Rangeet 60 MW HEP

DAWA LEPCHA

On the 18th of September, 2011, when the earthquake struck, I am quite sure that prayers flowed from every mouth and mind, even from those who usually do not think of the Almighty. We do not have to mention all that followed after the quake struck, as they have been all over the media and the press for a long time and still continues occasionally like the occasional tremors that have been reminding us of future catastrophe.
Though mentions of earthquake risk to the hydro power projects were made, we ourselves were in bit of a doubt as to how it can be affected or vice versa. We also did not know that we would be witnessing one such example so soon. For some reason, only the project in North Sikkim suffered the most damages, casualty and death, while the others escaped comparatively unharmed. Of course the epicenter of the earthquake was in North Sikkim, that too as pointed out by experts, somewhere very near where the power projects are located.
Most of the HEPs planned in Sikkim are located in the North District. The biggest being the 1200 MW Teesta III hydroelectric project. This project has its dam site and Adit I at Chungthang, Adit II at Theng, Adit III at Ship-Gyer, Adit IV at Ramom and Adit V, the surge shaft and the underground power house at Saffo-Salim-Pakyel in Dzongu. (Adits are tunnel outlets along the main head race tunnel, used for taking out the muck). All these project components suffered the maximum damages and deaths, with Chungthang leading.
Yes, maybe these hydro power projects may not have been the cause of the earthquake, but it definitely added to the catastrophe. Otherwise, why is the maximum number of destructions and deaths located in these areas?      
The other project is the Panang 300 MW HEP. Though they are yet to start actual work, the areas in the vicinity of the dam site, where the company had been carrying out test drillings and had been using dynamites have suffered the most. The landslides beyond the village of Lingzya, on the way to Bay (one of the villages that suffered the most casualty in Dzongu), Sakyong, Puntong and Tholung, all of which are still facing great difficulty in terms of accessibility and transport,  is another example to be taken seriously. I am sure that all those who have been to these places post September 18 will agree with me. What further misery will be added to these places during the monsoon is still to be seen. If the minor activities at the proposed dam site area resulted in such damage and destruction, I wonder what might have happened had the work been going on in full swing like in Teesta III? The Mines and Geology and the Geological Survey of India have pointed out the weak and fragile geology of the entire project area. (The Central Electric Authority on submission of report by the GSI have ordered the company namely, Himagiri Hydro Energy Pvt. Ltd, to submit detail geological and GLOF report)
Now the Public Hearing for the Teesta IV, 520 MW project has been notified again. It is scheduled for the 29th of March, 2012. This part of the river is also the last free flowing portion of the river Teesta proper. Once it is put in tunnel, the burying of Teesta is complete. I wonder if people living in the immediate vicinity of the project think about this. I also wonder whether Teesta will even flow into the plains once all these hydro power projects are completed. Most important, what might be the impacts of these reservoirs that are coming up one after another in the fragile hills?
Recently, for and against groups have cropped up pertaining to the scrapped Ting Ting and Lethang projects and the still contentious Tashiding Project located in West Sikkim. I hope some sense prevails and that we don’t get to see the horrors of the North Sikkim projects being repeated in future because it is no use waving the ‘bamphok’ after the bear has crossed the hill.

Denjong Chyarig Tsogpa welcomes scrapping of Ting-Ting and Lethang HEPs

GANGTOK, 29 Feb: Denjong Chyarig Tsogpa has welcomed the State government’s decision to scrap the Lethang and Ting-Ting HEPs in West Sikkim and thanked the State High Power Review Committee for recommending the scrapping of the projects.
In a press release issued by its president, Sonam Dadul Denzongpa, the organisation has also thanked SIBLAC, convenor, Tseten Tashi Bhutia for his efforts and the people of Yuksam, Tashiding for their support and cooperation.
The release further expresses hope that the government will also scrap the Tashiding HEP before the Bum Chu which falls on 07-08 March.

Monk body welcomes scrapping of West Sikkim HEPs

GANGTOK, 23 Feb: All the Sikkimese monks and monasteries welcome the Government of Sikkim’s wise decision to scrap both the Lethang and Ting Ting HEPs, states a press release issued by general secretary, Monks of Sikkim, Enchey Monastery, Cho Tshering Norbu Lama.
This decision favours the preservation of the sanctity of the Sikkimese lineage and dharma and has added more significance to the upcoming Tashiding Bum Chu ceremony to be held in 08 March, the release expresses.
The release also commends the High Power Review Committee headed by the Chief Secretary on the three “anti-dharma” HEPs proposed over the sacred Rathong Chu and further expresses gratitude to SIBLAC Convenor, Tseten Tashi Bhutia, National Minorities Commission member, Spalzes Angmu and other government functionaries.
“We, with equal jubilation and prayers,  look forward to the early scrapping of the Tashiding HEP also slated over the same sacred Rathong Chu thereby ensuring that the sacredness of Rathong Chu is preserved and respected for eternity”, the release adds.

ACT welcomes scrapping of Ting Ting and Lethang projects

GANGTOK, 15 Feb: The Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT) has welcomed the scrapping of Ting Ting and Lethang hydro power projects in West Sikkim. An ACT release applauds the efforts of all concerned who have been involved in the historic action of protecting the sacred landscapes and the ecology and environment of the land.
ACT hopes the efforts and success of all organizations involved in preserving the pristine land continues and that Tashiding HEP also is stopped, the release mentions.
The release also welcomes and congratulates the government for “listening to the peoples voice and taking such historic action which will go on to preserve the rich religious and cultural heritage of the land as well as preserving the fragile ecology and the environment which is so important to the preservation of the Himalayan ecology and which will also have a positive long term impact on global climate scenario”. It further expresses hope that more such positive action follows.

NASBO to felicitate CM on closure of 2 HEPs on Rathong Chu

GANGTOK, 12 Feb: As per a press release issued by the National Sikkimese Bhutia Organisation, the organization has welcomed the decision of the state government to scrap two hydel projects in west district and also the issuance of the official notification on the closure of the two projects namely, Lethang and Ting Ting.
The press release states “We thank our venerable dharma gurus and monks, Chief Minister and Chief Secretary of Sikkim our beloved BL leader Tseten Tashi Bhutia, Smt Spalzes Angmu and various organisations and leaders, government officers, and all lay Sikkimese fraternity for their persistent effort in this regard.” NASBO has also stated that they will be facilitating the chief minister for this historic decision, as they call it.
NASBO further urges the government to scrap the Tashiding hydro electric project as well which is also being constructed on the Rathong chu.

Common Platform submits memorandum to Governor on Singtam incident

WELCOMES OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION ON SCRAPPING OF TING TING AND LETHANG PROJECTS
GANGTOK, 10 Feb: Common Platform for joint action against hydel power projects in Sikkim has submitted a memorandum on the attack on two of its members at Singtam on 03 February to the Governor today. A team from Common Platform submitted a memorandum to the Secretary to the Governor at Raj Bhawan as the Governor is currently at Delhi.
To support their argument, the memorandum was also enclosed with a copy of the news item published in a regional daily and pamphlets published by the Common Platform inviting people to join the Pratiwad Rally against the hydel projects called for 13 February at Gyalshing in West Sikkim.
Addressing a press conference today, All Sikkim Educated Self-Employed and Unemployed Association [ASESE&UA] president, Nawin Kiran mentioned that the attack was an attempt to stop the organization from conducting the rally but instead has further encouraged the Common Platform to carry it out in a massive way at its scheduled date and time. He further mentioned that the police have arrested one person in the case and was later on released on bail.
“In a democratic set up the ruling party and the government should function separately as the government is for all the people but this incident shows that there is no difference between the government and the ruling party and it is very unfortunate for democracy,” he expressed.
Citing news published in a regional daily which reported the possible involvement of two MLAs of the ruling party in the attack, he contended that if this was not true then the two MLAs should have condemned the news when it came out.
SIBLAC convener, Tseten Tashi Bhutia expressed his gratitude on behalf of the Common Platform to the state government for officially notifying the scrapping of Ting-Ting and Lethang hydel power projects on Rathong Chu River. He also thanked the organization and people of the state for supporting the Common Platform in protesting these projects. At the same time, Mr Bhutia urged the government to also scrap the Tashiding project as it still falls on the same river.
Mr Bhutia also said that T Nagendra Rao who is the CEO of Dans Energy, which has taken up the Tashiding project is running around approaching different banks for financial help. On the same, he urged the government to check the integrity, capacity and full details of the power developers in the state. He further urged the government to stop all ongoing projects in the state until all information on the power developers is acquired.
The memorandum submitted to the Governor today has alleged that during recent days the people especially those who are concerned about the welfare and betterment of the Sikkimese people are being targeted by anti-social elements sponsor by the ruling party. It further added that such practice creating unhealthy environment for social security and law and order in the peaceful border state.
The memorandum informs that on 03 February at Singtam bazaar two members of Common Platform were attacked and assaulted by a group of more than 10 persons without any reason thus creating a volatile situation in this border state.
“It is humbly stated that this kind of incident may create a spark to grave and serious public agitation and which may lead to a situation which may not be conducive for the proper functioning of a government or state machinery in this international border state of Sikkim,” states the memorandum.
The memorandum requests the Governor to take serious note of such developments and incidents in the larger interest of national security. It further requests that a report of the incident be submitted to the appropriate forum for necessary and effective action for the protection of constitutional rights guaranteed by the Constitution of India before it is too late.

Common Platform to being agitation with ‘Pratiwad Rally’ at Gyalshing Bazaar

DEMANDS OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION ON THE SCRAPPING OF TING-TING AND LETHANG POWER PROJECTS FROM THE STATE GOVT
GANGTOK, 02 Feb: Common Platform against Ting-Ting, Lethang and Tashiding Hydel Power Projects announced the launching of a “physical agitation” against the three hydel power projects on the Rathong-Chu river in West Sikkim today. The Common Platform, comprising of members from eight different organizations against hydel projects, will begin its agitation with the ‘Pratiwad Rally’ on13 February at Gyalshing Bazaar. Members of the Platform also started distributing pamphlets for the same today.
Addressing a press conference, All Sikkim Educated Self-Employed & Unemployed Association [ASESE&UA] president, Nawin Kiran stated that although there have been news reports on the scrapping of Lethang and Ting-Ting hydel projects, no official gazette notification has been issued by the State Government so far. On the same, he added that until this happens the Common Platform will continue its movement at different levels.
Common Platform spokesperson, Tenzing Chewang Bhutia mentioned that as these projects fall under the 10-km radius of a National Park, so technically Ting-Ting and Tashiding projects have not received the environment clearance from the National Wildlife Board. He further added that the protest in West Sikkim shows that the people are against these projects.
Welcoming news reports on the scrapping of the Ting-Ting and Lethang projects, Mr Bhutia however questioned the government’s interest in continuing the Tashiding project. He further demanded that the government confirm the scrapping of these projects through an official notification.
“We demand the government to apply the same logic behind scrapping the Ting-Ting and Lethang projects and also scrap the Tashiding power project,” said Mr Bhutia.
Citing the statement of the Power Minister published in a local newspaper that these projects would generate revenue, SIBLAC convener, Tseten Tashi Bhutia questioned that if the people do not want the project then what is the use of the revenue. He further stated that the State government needs to choose whether it is for its people or the power developers.

State Cabinet takes decision on 3 HEPs in West Sikkim

LETHANG AND TING TING SCRAPPED, TASHIDING "UNDER EXAMINATION"

GANGTOK, 01 Feb: The state government has finally taken its decision on the three hydro projects under scrutiny in West District. Two projects, namely, the 96 MW Lethang and the 99 MW Ting Ting projects have been scrapped by the government. As for the third project, the 97 MW Tashiding hydro project is ‘under examination’. This is the decision of the state government a month after the high powered committee under the Chief Secretary was constituted to examine issues related to the implementation of the 3 projects and make recommendations to the state government. The decision to scrap the 2 projects and further examine the status of the Tashiding project was taken at the state cabinet meeting held on 25 January.
The decision on Ting Ting and Lethang projects were not so hard to take as there have hardly been much investments or construction activity related to these projects. In fact, as regards the Lethang project, it had not even been accorded approval by the National Wildlife Board. The National Wildlife Board had rejected the project proposal for the Lethang HEP in November, 2010. As regards Ting Ting, the project was in the initial phases of land acquisition.
As for the 97 MW Tashiding project in Tashiding – Yuksom constituency and being developed by Shiga Energy Limited the state government will ‘further examine’ the project. In fact it is informed the power developer has spent more than Rs.100 crore already and the project is in an advanced stage with tunnels and adits being constructed including the colony for the officer’s quarters. The land acquisition has also been completed and the site of the power houseidentified and approach roads under construction. With the power developer having invested such a huge amount there will be complications if it’s taken off the grid and legal repercussions cannot be ruled out. Only recently the affected people living in the project area had formed coordination committees to supervise the implementation of various works which the project would entail in their area.
The decision of the state cabinet is obviously based on the report of the high powered committee which had submitted its report to the government last year itself. The opinion of the committee on the projects was that it should be scrapped; this opinion had then been forwarded to the Law Department. The cabinet meeting of 25 January was the first cabinet this year during which the report of the committee was put up and discussed and finally, decided upon.
Several organizations including Buddhist organizations had made several representations to the state government raising concerns about erosion and disturbance of certain religious and cultural symbols attached with the Rathong Chu river on which all the three named projects were to be developed. The Minority Commission had also taken up cudgels on behalf of the protesting associations and organizations on similar grounds and had even written to the Prime Minister.

Hydel workers briefed on welfare rights

MANGAN, 23 Jan:  The Department of Labour, North District today conducted a programme on Implementation of Building & Other Construction Welfare (RECS) Act 1996 and distribution of Welfare Benefits to Registered Beneficiary workers in North Sikkim here at the power house site at 1200 MW Teesta Stage III H/E Project at Ringdang in North Sikkim.  The function was chaired by SDM Mangan, PW Lepcha as the chief guest.
The Deputy Commissioner Labour, KR Limboo highlighted about the welfare of labourers and informed that workers who work continuously for three months or more in a particular establishment may obtain the relevant forms from the Labour department for registration of workers and beneficiary after deposition of required fee as per the Rules.  He also informed that the contractors have to pay 1% cess to the department mentioning that this Cess, notified in September 2010, goes towards funds to be utilized for the welfare of the workers.
The Deputy Commissioner further informed that a total of 307 laborers have been registered with the Department which covers the life insurance of Rs. 1 lakh.  Apart from it, the beneficiaries will get welfare facilities based on their needs like medicine, injury compensation, death compensation etc.
He further informed that the seven labourers who died in the18 September earthquake will be provided with compensation of Rs. 1 lakh each.  The Deputy Commissioner further highlighted about the establishment of three recreation centres for labourers at Singhik, Chunthang and Theng with facilities like 48-inch television, carom board, volley ball etc.
The chief guest while addressing the workers said that they should know about this Act and about the benefits for which he urged them to be in touch with the department.  He also informed about the importance of registration with the department.
A total of 307 registered labourers were provided with one blanket and one hot case each from the department on the day.

NASBO welcomes Committee recommendation to scrap HEPs on Rathong Chu

GANGTOK, 19 Jan: The National Sikkimese Bhutia Organisation [NASBO] has welcomed the reported recommendation of the High Powered State-level Committee to scrap all three hydel projects proposed over the Rathong Chu in West Sikkim.
A press release issued by NASBO president, Sonam Kaleon, heralds the recommendation as a “wise decision” and stressed that such a recommendation of the State Government is a “welcome decision which reflects its keenness in preserving the socio-religious interests of the Sikkimese people”.
The release further requests the State Government to take “strict note of the anti-social and anti human activities” of concerned power developers in the affected area in view of the Committee’s recommendation.

After dark high intensity blasts lead to complaints against Shiga Energy

MEANWHILE, 2 ARRESTED ON CHARGES FOR DAMAGING TUNNELING EQUIPMENT AT TASHIDING HEP SITE

GANGTOK, 17 Jan: West District police have arrested two persons on charges of attempting to burn down machinery and vehicles belonging to a power developer at Tashiding in West Sikkim. The police action was initiated after a complaint was lodged by Shiga Energy Projects, engaged in tunneling works at the Tashiding HEP, after their property was allegedly attacked by persons said to be belonging to the association called “Save Sikkim” which has been lobbying for the scrapping of three hydel projects in West Sikkim - Tashiding, Lethang and Ting Ting hydro electric projects. The duo - Yapchung Bhutia and Prabhu Ram Chettri, both from Sakyong village - was arrested by the Gyalshing police today, both informed to be of Sakyong. Another accused, Milan Subba, is yet to be apprehended.
At the same time it has also been learnt that the three had also approached the SP and the DC, West, a few days ago with complaints regarding the tunneling works being undertaken by Shiga Energy.
The three are alleged to have trespassed into the tunnels at the Tashiding project site, namely Adits II and III, on the night of 15 January. This, the complaint against them states, they did twice, once at 4:30 pm and then again at around 11:30 pm the same night. They are then alleged to have proceeded to damage equipment belonging to Shiga Energy Projects and in the process three heavy vehicles of the company were damaged along with machinery which includes a boomer and a compressor used in tunneling works.
Police source add that the trio is also accused of having set fire to the vehicles and machinery, but that this was quickly doused by the security personnel engaged at the project site. The security personnel, it is reported, identified the 3 as belonging to Sakyong village which lies above the construction site.
Interestingly, police also informed that it was this same group which had approached them with complaints against Shiga a few days ago with regard to blasting works being carried out at night. In fact blasting works at the tunnel are undertaken throughout the day and night as well. However night time blasting is said to have caused much disturbance and apprehension among the people, especially at Sakyong.
The police, at that time, had directed the youth to approach the licensing authority [which issues permission for undertaking blasting works] with their complaint. The licensing authority is the DC. It has been learnt that the DC was also approached by the youth with their complaint a few days ago; the complaints informed of night time blasting which was said to be causing much disturbance and also alleged extremely high intensity blasting being resorted to by the company.
In this connection, the DC West, S Pradhan, is informed to have intimated the company on both matters and in fact, it is reported that the DC directed the company to stop using explosives at night which the company is said to have agreed to.
On the matter of high intensity of the blasts, it was suggested that a representative of the village as well as from the police be present at the construction site when blasting is underway.
These matters were under consideration when the above mentioned incident took place leading to the arrest of 2 persons for criminal trespass and mischief.