The CLOS demands reassessment on 14 mega power projects in Sikkim

GANGTOK, Sept 30 – “We the concerned Lepchas of Sikkim have been witnessing the entire ongoing natural catastrophe in Sikkim, particularly Dzongu, Chungthang and Lachung area with regret, shock and helplessness”, informs a press release by Concerned Lepchas of Sikkim (CLOS). The CLOS also protested against the mega power projects in the region which seismically falls in the most active Zone V. The CLOS alongwith the Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT) fought for 915 days calling for the closure of all mega power projects. There has been anti-eco activities like explosions, blasting, etc., thereby weakening the land stability despite the region being most fragile and prone to earthquakes. The release noted that North Sikkim area, which has the largest number of giant power projects, suffered the most, in terms of lives and property in Lachung and Chungthang area. If not, why should the repercussions of the earthquake be highest in intensity in this part of Sikkim where there are 14 mega power projects while no rescue teams could still penetrate the most affected periphery of 1200 MW Teesta Stage III HEP, being executed by Teesta Urja, adds the release. The CLOS called upon the policymakers to rethink, re-assess and scrap all 14 mega power projects in the region that are either under operation or being proposed, thereby respecting the area as the sacred and protected reserve of the Lepchas, the release also said.