Mangan : Talks between the state government and ACT having grounded to a halt ,the Panan hydel project at the centre of this attrition moved to the next level at Namprikdang in Dzongu where the land compensation disbursement process began yesterday on August16,1007. The total amount to be disbursed among the 91 affected land owners is pegged at Rs.9.97 crores.In the first phase which began today ,a total of Rs.7.97 crores will be disbursed. The remaining amount will be disbursed in the second phase,officials informed.
The distribution at Namprikdang yesterday was conducted by the Land Revenue department through account payee cheques at a function attended by the land owners from the Sakyong-Pentok,Lingzya,Lingdem,Lingthem,Salim-Pakel, and Malling -Singhik GPUs.
The disbursement programme had Health Minister Hissay Lachungpa present as chief guest and was also attended by Dzongu MLA- Sonam Gyatso Lepcha,NorthZilla Adhakshya- Lobzang Tenzing,DC (north)- TN Kazi, Sr.SP- ST Bhutia,Chairman-Sikkim Jewel Loden Lepcha,SDPO -PM Rai,former chairperson- NT Lepcha,Dzongu BDO- BK Rai, etc. and representatives from Panan Hydel Project developer Himgiri Pvt.Ltd., and other officials from Land Revenue departments
The Health Minister Hissay Lachungpa while addressing the gathering directed the m/s.Himgiri MD and Director present in the function to impress upon the owners and the financiers of the Company personally visit the affected areas and interact with public to ensure a better understanding of their concerns and to effect better coordination.
"The company has been entrusted with a great responsibility and everyone involved ,the project developers and the concerned government departments should take their responsibility towards the people and the environment very seriously".
To the affected people,Mr.Lachungpa recounted the safeguards like no labour colonies inside Dzongu already included in the conditions for project development to minimize the impact and reassured them that a brighter ,prosperous future awaits Dzongu and its people. Commenting on the hunger strike protests at BL House,he said that the protesters were misguiding people, alleging that some of them has already accepted cheques for land released to hydel projects. The Panan project work would start only after entire land compensation is made to all the owners who have released their lands for project.
The meet was also addressed by Dzongu MLA,Zilla Adhakshya,DC (north) who all spoke in the favour of brighter prospects of development,Concern of Dr. Chamling and state government to safeguard and protect the rights of people as well as maintaining of sanctity of Dzongu in all aspects.
