Common Platform welcomes Governor’s observations on hydel projects

GANGTOK, 15 Dec: “We believe that the ruling SDF Government does not have any long-term vision in the development of hydro-power projects in Sikkim,” contends a press release issued by Convenor, Platform for Joint Action against West Sikkim power projects, the SIBLAC convenor Tseten Tashi Bhutia.
 The statement comes in the light of the Governor, BP Singh’s address at the recently concluded International Conference on Globalisation and Cultural Practices in Mountain Areas. The Governor, in his inaugural address, had said, “Policies for fragile mountain environments require a holistic approach that adequately addresses the economic, social and environmental concerns. The stress should be on sustainable development with a long-term vision”.
The release also quotes ecologist Prof. PS Ramakrishnan, who was also present at the conference, from his report on Rathong-Chu which had convinced the SDF Government to scrap the Rathong Chu Hydro Power project in 1997.
“The Platform for Joint Action Against Ting-Ting, Tashiding and Lethang Hydropower Projects welcomes the observation made by the Governor which assumes significance where the ruling SDF Government is indiscriminately pushing hydro-power projects in the Yuksom-Tashiding region at the ultimate expense of the most valuable Buddhist treasures and natural heritage,” the release states.
“We, however, also feel that the Governor of Sikkim could have invoked his full powers provided under Article 371F of the Constitution and order the State Government to scrap Ting-Ting, Tashiding and Lethang Hydropower Projects,” the release further adds.