GANGTOK: A joint meeting to discuss the long-term implications of mega hydro-electric power projects was held at the BL House here on June 14.
According to a press release issued by the Concerned Lepchas of Sikkim (CLOS) and the Sangha of Dzongu, and signed by its publicity secretary, Luden Lepcha, the meeting was attended by senior citizens from Gangtok and its adjoining areas, monks from Dzongu and various other places around the State, the Sikkim General Youth Association, All Sikkim Students Union, members of ACT (Affected Citizens Of Teesta) and members of CLOS.
The meeting discussed various social, environment and cultural repercussions posed by the massive hydro electric power projects that are being planned by the State Government in the State, especially in Dzongu in North Sikkim. Speaking on the occasion, Gyatso Tongden Lepcha, President, CLOS said that "the motive of holding the meeting was to bring more awareness to all the youth of Sikkim about the effects of mega hydel project in Sikkim and most specifically to the Lepcha community,” and highlighting the fact that establishment of hydel projects will result in environmental hazard and will hamper the age-old traditions of the people and sacred places of worship like the Tolung monastery. He stress on more participation of youth in this issue and thanked all the youth bodies from different communities for taking keen interest in this subject.
The meeting reiterated that if the hydel projects didn't stop now, there would be wide-spread demonstrations against them in the future.
The President of Sangha of Dzongu asked to all the concerned citizens to protect the sacred land, monasteries, lakes and caves of Sikkim. The President of SGYA, Mani Kumar Khatiwara, also assured their support to the movement. The representative of All Sikkim Student Union, Daljit Limboo and AB Subba has assured their support.
There was also a presentation from 'KALPAVRIKSH' a NGO based inDelhi and Pune, on dams in Sikkim and North East States.
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