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.