Multidisciplinary committees constituted to monitor Dikchu and Bhasmey power projects

GANGTOK, 16 July: The State government has notified the constitution of multidisciplinary committees for monitoring the two hydro electric projects of Dikchu and Bhasmey being developed by Sneha Kinetic Power Ltd and Gati Infrastructure respectively. These were recently notified by the Forest Department following directions issued by the Ministry of Environment and Forests and also as per the agreements signed between the State government and the two power developers. 
These multidisciplinary central level committees are for monitoring of environmental safeguards of the project development and to monitor issues arising during the implementation of the projects. Besides, the committees will also draw up the methodologies to regulate payments to be made by the respective companies to the various departments of the state government in connection with the implementation of the projects.
The 96 MW Dikchu hydroelectric project is being undertaken by Sneha Kinetic Power Projects Ltd in East and North districts and the company is based in Hyderabad.  The direction for the formation of the committee was issued by the central Ministry in April 2008.
On the other hand the 51 MW Bhasmey hydroelectric project is being undertaken by Gati Infrastructure Bhasmey Power Private Ltd and the company itself is based in Secunderabad. The multidisciplinary committees are also as per the conditions laid out in the Environmental Clearance of the MoEF.
The nature and content of monitoring will be as per the conditions of Environment Clearance and are to be communicated to the members of the respective committees from time to time after due consultation with the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests-cum-Secretary, Forests, Environment and Wildlife Management Department, Government of Sikkim and Director, Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India.
The multidisciplinary committee for the 96 MW Dikchu HEP has the Chief Conservator of Forests, Land Use as Chairman and includes representatives of the central MoEF and also north east regional office of the MoEF at Shillong.
The committee for the Bhasmey project has the Additional PCCF (Planning and Administration) as chairman and same central government representatives. Other members in the committees include the respective SDMs under whose district jurisdiction the projects comes under, officiasl of Power, Land Revenue, State Pollution Control Board, Fisheries and the respective company Project Heads as member secretaries.