Gangtok:The Affected Citizens of Teesta(ACT) has approached the Supreme Court appointed CEC asking for an immediate stay order on the environmental clearance granted to the 280 MW Panan Hydroelectric project coming up in Dzongu,North Sikkim.
A press release from ACT Chief coordinator Tseten Lepcha informs that application highlights violations of the important Supreme Court Orders passed in Writ petition (Civil) 202 of1995,T.N.GovarmanVsUnion of India, popularly known as The Forest Case.
These orders prohibit carrying out certain activities inside National Parks & Sanctuaries,whereas the Ministry of Environment &Forests (MoEF) clearance illegally allows certain activities related to the Panan Hydro electric Project carried out inside the Khangchendzonga National Park.
The application was filed on July17,2007 on behalf of the ACT.An acknowledgement of the seriousness of the issue is the fact that on the next day itself, July18, the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has written to the Chief Secretary, Government of Sikkim asking for the views of the state government on the application of the ACT.
Meanwhile,Former forest minister of Sikkim,Athup Lepcha said, "The manner in which the MoEF has granted clearance to Pa nan Hydroelectric project located in north Sikkim in clear violation of the Supreme Court directives is indeed shocking. The MoEF and its Expert Committee on River Valley & Hydroelectric Projects is continuing its recent trends o f allowing destructive large hydroelectric projects in the ecologically and culturally sensitive Teesta river basin".
He added,"I am afraid to say that MoEF is increasingly functioning only as "clearing house" giving rubber stamp clearances.The ministry in charge of safe guarding environment is acting in such callous manner,the ecological security of country in general and Sikkim in particular is seriously threatened.The State Government seems hell bent to implement these projects at all costs ,even if means violating SC Orders."On day 33rd of indefinite hunger strike led by duo Dawa & Tenzing and other members of ACT,Reverend Stephen Lepcha,the Catholic bishop of Darjeeling today visited STNM hospital and BL House where he prayed for the welfare of hunger strikers as well as Lepcha community and hoped that there will be an amicable solution between ACT and the State Government -the ACT press communique concludes.
(All Pictures Courtsey : WeepingSikkim Blog)
