November 22, 2008

Sikkim scraps 4 mega hydel projects on eco concerns

BL reported that Mr Dawa Tshering Lepcha and Mr Tenzing Lepcha have withdrawn their indefinite hunger strike following the state government’s move to scrap 4 mega hydro electric power projects in Dzongu in North Sikkim.

The scrapped hydel power projects are located in Dzongu in North Sikkim
1. 141 MW Rangyong
2. 120 MW Lingza
3. 90 MW Ringpi
4. 33 MW Rukel

According to a letter dated June 12th 2008, addressed to Mr Athup Lepcha president of Affected Citizens of Teesta, Mr P Wangchen principal chief engineer cum secretary of the state power & energy department said that the 4 projects were scrapped by the state government taking into consideration the sentiment of the local people and the need to conserve the environment.

The state government has scrapped both the Rangyong and Lingzya hydel power projects, for which it had initially signed MoUs with private developers while no definite proposals were made for the Ringpi and Rukel projects, both located inside the Khangchendzonga National Park in Dzongu.

Mr Tseten Lepcha chief coordinator of ACT said that the scrapping of the four projects is a step towards protection of Sikkim, its nature and environment. However, the supporters of the ACT are not so happy over the development.