Groups protesting HEPs on Rathong Chu consider mounting larger agitation

GANGTOK, 11 Dec: The “Common Platform” against Hydel Power Projects, a coming together of various organizations to protest hydel projects on the Rathong Chu, has threatened to graduate from writing petitions and issuing press statements to launching an agitation soon if the State government does not take up their protest seriously and review the hydel projects in question in the earnest.

The All Sikkim Educated Self-Employed & Unemployed Association [ASESE&UA] president, Nawin Kiran, whose organization is part of the common platform, informed today that despite all concerned authorities having been approached and memorandums submitted, the group has received no response thus far.
The group, which comprises of ASESE&UA, SIBLAC, NASBO, NASSS, All Sikkim Monastery Association, Concerned Lepchas of Sikkim, ACT, People’ Forum on Earthquake, Save Sikkim, is running out on patience, he said, adding that if their demand continues to be ignored, they would move to other forms of protest.
He also informed that even the affected people of the Dikchu Khola hydel project have invited the group to visit their area and include it in the list of hydel projects being protested. Members of the “common platform” will be soon visiting the Dikchu Khola HEP site as well, Mr. Kiran informed.
“This platform is to protest all hydel power projects in the State, but due to the urgent situation of the time, has been concentrating on the three projects on Rathong-Chu at present. Now everyone should come forward to raise the voice together,” he said. The three hydel projects in question are Lethang, Ting-Ting and Tashiding coming up on the Rathong Chu in West Sikkim.
ASESE&UA advisor, Deepak Libang [Subba], in turn accused the government of double standards – promoting religious and cultural heritage on the one hand and pushing hydel projects on streams carrying high cultural and religious significance on the other.
In this regard, he mentioned a hydel project proposed on the Kalej Khola in West Sikkim, on a spot and stream, he added, which was considered holy by the Limboos and was protected by the Places of Worship [Special Provision] Act of 1991.
SIBLAC convener, Tseten Tashi Bhutia, also underlined these sentiments and demanded what he sees as a “politics of revenge” to be stopped.
“The Government should not take us for granted in this age of youth, internet and electronics,” he said.