Relief team reaches traumatized remote Sikkim Villages

Relief team carrying relief materials crosses a landslide at Bey Village in Upper Dzongu on 22nd September 2011

Funeral of earthquake victims at Bey where seven people were killed when a landslide pulverised their homes. The funeral was organized by VHAS volunteers. A fresh landslide tore down the slope even as the cremation was underway

The volunteers distribute medicines to earthquake
survivors at Bey

The part of Bey village where a landslide washed away
seven people and their homes on Sunday night

Voluntary Health Association of Sikkim (VHAS) has been trying to gather information on the disaster and also directly visiting affected areas of different districts for immediate relief work.

VHAS has been coordinating with government agencies such as District Control Room, District Development Officers, Block Development Officer, Rural Development Assistant, Panchayats members and NGOs, informs a press release.
A team of VHAS comprising of Executive Director, Dr BB Rai, Mr Nehru, Mr Ashok, Mr. Ash Bahadur, Mr. Subhankar, Mr. Kamal and Mr. Prem Chettri reached the highly affected villages of Tumin Gram Panchayat Unit of East District on 19 Sept. As access to the villages was totally damaged, the team had to walk through jungles and hills for more than five hours to reach the affected villages.

The VHAS relief team reached Bey village yesterday at 10.30 am where almost all the houses are totally damaged. The team distributed readymade food items, poly tents, torch with batteries and First Aid boxes containing medicines for minor ailments. While the VHAS team was interacting with the Panchayat, a helicopter came and dropped raw food items basically rice, dal and cooking oil. After collecting the items that were dropped, they were stored in one damaged house. In order to protect it from rain, the VHAS team covered the roof of the house with poly tents.
Thanking the team, the Panchayat, narrated the story of the earthquake and landslides. He said, members of his family have been washed away by the landslides while his brother and sister in-law were buried along with their child but the disaster has compelled him to be strong to face the challenges ahead. A total of seven people have been washed away in the Bey village and one child is missing, he said. One part of the Bey village comprising of four houses was totally washed away without leaving any trace, he added.
The VHAS Relief team helped them in organizing the funeral of four dead bodies on the bank of a nearby river. While the funeral ceremony was going on, landslides suddenly struck and every one ran away from the place, halfway through the funeral. The team convinced the people to come down to Lingzya village, a safer and accessible place where relief camps are well organized. The people have agreed to come down to Lingzya village by tomorrow.
The VHAS team returned in the afternoon and reported the situation to the North District Control Room and reached Gangtok last night.

Sikkim boycotts NHPC Stage-IV Hydro Project

The affected people of Teesta Stage-IV and their representatives boycott the public hearing scheduled for 22 July at Namprikdang.

North Sikkim, 22 July: The affected people of Dzongu carried through their resolve to boycott the public hearing called for Teesta Stage-IV hydel project with complete unanimity today. When all of them, including their panchayats and MLA, remained no-shows at the venue of the public hearing, the Namprikdang Ground, even till noon, the DC [North], who chairs the public hearing panel, postponed the public hearing till further notice since not even a single person had shown up, save the concerned officials and NHPC representatives.

The venue was hit by a minor case of arson last night when some banners and decorations at the stage were burned by miscreants. No substantial damage was caused.

The affected people, along with their panchayats, it may be recalled, had resolved that even though they were not opposed to the project per se, they could not trust NHPC anymore since they had seen the denials and ignored promises suffered by the affected people of Teesta Stage-V developed slightly downstream from where NHPC proposes to develop the Rs. 3,594.74 crore Stage-IV. They had drafted an 11-point list of queries and clarifications [see NOW! issue dated 22 July 2011 for details], which was submitted to the DC earlier in the morning.

The joint representation of the panchayat and public details that they want a written reply from NHPC to all the queries before they reconsider their decision.

Announcing the postponement of the public hearing, the DC directed NHPC to carry out thorough public consultation before the public hearing whenever it is called for next so that such a boycott was not repeated.

As per the Environment Impact Assessment and Management Plan prepare for the project, a total of 14 villages/ blocks will be “directly affected” due to various project activities. The total population of these villages is 14,291 divided among 2,793 households. As of now, none of them has any faith in assurances that NHPC would have made at the public hearing.

The hearing was scheduled to begin at Namprikdang Ground in Upper Dzongu at 11 a.m. this morning, but no official business could be conducted in light of the zero turn-out of people or their representatives.

Speaking with media-persons here, the NHPC Executive Director [Siliguri], Dhiman Parija, sought to alleviate the feeling of hurt expressed loud and clear today, by insisting that if the corporation has missed out something, it will make amends.

He added that NHPC will now approach the affected people, understand their grievances in more detail and fulfil their demands. He also stated that the people should express their demands and commented that today’s boycott came as a surprise, insisting that “everything was normal till the day before”.

AK Choudhary, Chief Engineer, NHPC Teesta Stage-IV, explained the project details. NHPC plans to generate 2,372 million units of power from Teesta Stage IV, 13% of which will be the State’s share. He also stated that the corporation was “always open to discuss as per the memorandum”.

The Teesta Stage-IV hydroelectric project is located on the Teesta in North Sikkim and 327.07 hectare will be acquired for it- 143.49 ha Government and Forest land and 180.58 private land.

The proposed dam site is located downstream of the confluence of Run Chhu with Teesta near Chandey village.

The major components of the project are located on the right bank (Dzongu area) while other infrastructure (project headquarters, store, workshop and labour colony) will be created on the left bank to minimize the land requirement in Dzongu. The dam is to be located at Zimchung and Hee-Gyathang villages, while the adit works will be confined to the Gnon Sangdong GPU. The labourers and officers colonies are proposed in Tingchim-Mangshilla GPU.

(NowDaily)

Lepchas call off march to Dzongu in Sikkim

Gangtok, Nov 19 (PTI) The three-day march to north Sikkim's Dzongu by Lepchas from Darjeeling was called off today after restrictions were imposed on them by the district authorities, a spokesman of the organisers Indigenous Lepcha Tribal Association (ILTA) said.

The ILTA decided to call off the march to the Lepcha 'motherland' after it was communicated by the north Sikkim district administration that not more than 10 people will be allowed to visit Dzongu to pay religious obeisance, he said.

The administration had cited law and order problems at Dzongu due to assembly of a large number of people from outside, the spokesman said, adding the decision to call off the march was taken in the larger public interest.

Lepcha march to Dzongu

Gangtok, Nov. 18: The Kalimpong-based Indigenous Lepcha Tribal Association will begin its second march to Dzongu in North Sikkim tomorrow after last year’s foiled attempt. The ILTA is determined to reach the destination to offer prayers at the holy site.

In April 2008, the ILTA had to return from Dikchu, the entry point to Dzongu, in the face of hostilities. The 500-odd marchers were escorted back by Sikkim armed police after a huge crowd of local people had set up a blockade in Dikchu.

This time, the ILTA claims to have secured the permission of the Union home and tribal affairs ministries for the pakram takram or pilgrimage to Dzongu. “We have submitted our requests to the Sikkim chief secretary, home secretary, North district administration. We plan to complete the pilgrimage between November 19 and 21,” said Paval Shimik, the ILTA president. “Dzongu is like Varanasi and Jerusalem to us. We will return after offering prayers to our guardian deities there.”

During last year’s stand-off, the Sikkim police managed to convince the Lepchas to call off the last leg of the march, fearing violence. The marchers were driven back to the Rangpo border.

This time, too, the people of North Sikkim have opposed the march. Dzongu MLA Sonam Gyatso Lepcha described the march as an “outside interference” in local affairs. “The pilgrimage is a ploy and is politically motivated,” he said.

Lepchas from Dzongu demand diversion of ‘Long March 2’

MANGAN, November, 17: Reacting to the news of ‘Lepchas from Kalimpong and Darjeeling’ planning for the ‘Long March 2’ to their ‘holy land’, Dzongu in North Sikkim, around 135 Lepchas hailing from different areas of Dzongu today met with District Collector (N) TN Kazi and placed a memorandum protesting against the visit.
Led by the Panchayats, the people from Dzongu have condemned the ‘Long March 2’ planned by the ‘Lepchas from Kalimpong’ and at the same time demanded the DC to arrange diversion the long march from Dzongu.
“The people of Dzongu are very much against this ‘Long March 2’ to Dzongu planned by the ‘Lepchas from Kalimpong and Darjeeling’ as it will bring about much sorrow among the people in Dzongu,” demanded the memorandum.
They have also stated that the Lepcha Association of Kalimpong had burnt the effigy of Dzongu MLA in the year 2008 without any reason. “If they respect our place and community, then they should not have insulted our MLA by burning his effigy. The peace and tranquillity of Dzongu is likely to be in danger due to this long march,” the people gathered at the DC office claimed.
Speaking to this correspondent, they said, they have requested the DC to take up necessary steps so that ‘peace and tranquillity would prevail in Dzongu’

Sikkim Democratic Front warns Dzongu ‘long marchers’

We don’t want any interference: SG Lepcha

14 Nov, Mangan: Feeling of resentment have already developed among the people of North Sikkim over the piligrimage of Lepchas from Darjeeling region to Dzongu proposed from this Thursday with the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) at the forefront warning the players of the ‘long march’ not to meddle in internal affairs of Dzongu.
The warning was explicitely issued during the constituency level meetings of the ruling front held at Mangan on November 12 and at Namprikdang , Dzongu yesterday which was attended by Chief Minister’s political advisor Hissey Lachungpa as the chief guest.
The meeting were coordinated by the Dzongu legistlature SG Lepcha and lachen-Mangan legislature TW Lepcha and attended by host of North Sikkim SDF functionaries and party supporters.Addressing the two meeting, Lachungpa first complimented the two legislatures for their dedication to the people and development of Dzongu and Lachen-Mangan constituency. All of us are equal and our target is to make Sikkim most progressive state by 2015 as per the vision laid by SDF government, said Lachungpa laying trust on more revenue generation sources like Hydel power. He said that the government has taken up the issue of bad road condition in North Sikkim with Border Road Organization.Then the political advisor warned the outsiders not to interfere in the developmental activities of Dzongu indicating towards the Lepchas from Darjeeling region into Dzongu ‘Long March II’.
The Dzongu MLA and also the State Power and Energy Minister SG Lepcha expressed his concern over the pilgrimage of Lepchas from Darjeeling region under the Banner of Indigenous Lepcha Tribal Association (ILTA). The people of Dzongu are against the so called piligrimage, he said.

Informing that last year, the Lepchas from Kalimpong and Darjeeling had torched his effigy at Kalimpong, the Dzongu legislature questioned the rationale of the long march. They don’t like the people and MLA of Dzongu and so what is the reason to visit Dzongu, he questioned.

SG Lepcha pointed out that the people of Dzongu had not allowed the Lepchas from Darjeeling to enter into Dzongu last year. If anything goes wrong this time, the ILTA president PT Simik will be responsible, he said. We are working on the development of Dzongu and we do not want any disturbances in the developmental activities, he said.

It may be noted that the Lepchas from kalimpong, Darjeeling, Kurseong and other parts of Darjeeling are posing to conduct a pilgrimage to Dzongu on November 19. They are planning to march Namprikdang from Rangpo.
The proposed pilgrimage has an ugly history when in April last year; the Lepchas from Darjeeling aborted their march midway to Dzongu due to open hostilities from the Lepchas of Dzongu.Anti Hydel debate was seriously surging at high at that period super headed by Affected Citizen of Sikkim (ACT) and the pilgrimage was seen as interference into internal matters of Dzongu by the people backed to the hilt by ruling establishment.
How ever ILTA president has asserted that this time the pilgrimage is purely religious one and nothing else.And this time, the pilgrimage have taken a top down approach and have approached the Union Home Ministry , Tribal Affairs Ministry and All India Adhivashi Vikash Parishad for the permission to take a three day pilgrimage to Dzongu, the last bastion of Indigenous Lepchas.ILTA has expressed its desire to march from Kalimpong to Darjeeling from November

19 to November 21. The body has also submitted our request and notified that Sikkim Government including the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary. North District

Administration and Police along with the Kalimpong subdivision and Darjeeling district administration.The ILTA president has expressed its hope that the Lepchas of Sikkim will extend a warm welcome to their Lepchas brothers separated by geographical boundaries.

‘Long March 2’ by Lepchas from Darjeeling to Dzongu

ILTA approaches Centre, Sikkim authorities for pilgrimage to Dzongu from Nov 19

GANGTOK, November 14: Though their maiden ‘Long March’ last year during the month of April was aborted due to politically laced hostilities, Lepchas from Kalimpong subdivision and other areas of Darjeeling district under the banner of ‘Indigenous Lepcha Tribal Association’ (ILTA) are determined to reach the holy land of Dzongu in North Sikkim this time.
And this time, the pilgrims have taken a top down approach and have approached the Union Home Ministry, Tribals Affairs Ministry and All India Adivashi Vikash Parishad for the permission to take a three day ‘Pakram Takram’ (pilgrimage) to Dzongu, the last bastion of the indigenous Lepchas.
The ILTA has expressed its desire to march from Kalimpong to Dzongu from November 19 to 21.
We have also submitted our request and notified the Sikkim Government including the chief secretary, home secretary, North District administration and police along with the Kalimpong subdivision and Darjeeling district administration, said ILTA president Paval Shimik to media here.
The ILTA president asserted that the proposed tour is purely religious and is a pilgrimage by the Lepchas from Darjeeling, Kurseong and Kalimpong. We want to reach to our holy place of Dzongu where we will perform our traditional prayers and other rituals, he said.
Well wishers of the Lepcha community will also be participating in this pilgrimage, said Shimik. He reiterated that the pilgrimage is a ‘pilgrimage’ with no iota of political contours.
Last time, the long march had several layers of political and activism colours and the marchers had themselves said that the pilgrimage was to ‘save their holy land’.
Underlining the importance of Dzongu for the Lepchas, Shimik compared Dzongu as the ‘Kashi’ and ‘Jerusalem’ for the Lepcha community. We will return back after offering our prayers to our guardian deities, he said.
The proposed pilgrimage is conducted under the umbrella of ILTA with participation and support of frontal organizations. The march towards
Dzongu will begin from Rangpo, it is informed.
The ILTA president expressed his hopes that the Lepchas of Sikkim will extend a warm welcome to their Lepchas brothers separated by geographical boundaries.
‘Welcome’ was missing during the 2008 bid by the Lepchas of Darjeeling region to pilgrimage to Dzongu and instead, the march of the 500 odd Lepchas had to be aborted at its midpoint in Dikchu in face of open hostilities.
The Lepchas had marched from Triveni, Kalimpong right up to Dikchu on the evening hours of April 15. Dikchu is the entry point to Dzongu and around 40 kms away from Namprikdang, the place where the pilgrims had resolved to perform pujas.
All along the way to Dikchu, the Lepchas had to face hostilities from the local people who termed their march as a politically sponsored march by the opposition political parties with the North Sikkim hydel debate reaching to a peak riding on the hunger strike by Affected Citizens of Teesta. The 'locals' also ensured that shops and accommodation facilities to the marchers were not made available.
The marchers had been escorted to Dikchu by a huge contingent of Sikkim Armed Police where a huge number of people from North Sikkim were positioned on the other side of the bridge. At Dikchu, a huge number of people from North Sikkim were positioned on the other side of the bridge with an intention to stop the marchers
Fearing a clash between the Darjeeling Lepchas and the local people,
Sikkim police and administration managed to convince the marchers to retreat.
After several discussions, the Lepchas were bundled into vehicles and escorted back to Rangpo border from where they left for their respective destinations.

Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT) held its annual meeting at Namprikdang

Gangtok,Nov02:  A group of Lepcha children at a picnic organised by the Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT) to mark its annual meeting at Namprikdang in North Sikkim on Sunday. The organisation, which was opposing the setting up of hydel projects in Dzongu, a Lepcha reserve, felicitated those who have been supporting its cause since it came into being on July 19, 2004.
Recently, the ACT called off its indefinite and relay hunger strikes that began in June 2007 after the state government invited them for talks. Welcoming the initiative of the government, Atup Lepcha, who has been re-elected its president, said: “We are hopeful of getting a positive response from the government.” Sikkim Citizen Forum convener Thukchuk Lachungpa, ACT general secretaries Dawa Lepcha and Tenzing Lepcha and other youths who had participated in the relay hunger strike were felicitated.

BJP asks chief secy to lodge FIR against officials

Gangtok, 27 Oct: Claiming Rs 4.95 crore were siphoned off from government funds, the Sikkim BJP today asked state chief secretary Mr TT Dorji to order filing of a criminal case against guilty officials and contractors.
“Officials and contractors had colluded to siphon off the money in the name of construction of a multi-span steel bridge over Teesta river at Gour in north Sikkim but the construction did not happen,” party vice-president Mr Padam Chettri told newsmen, adding it was loot of public money.
Quoting the reply of the Roads and Bridges Department to an RTI query, he claimed authorities have themselves conceded that 90 per cent of the proposed cost of the bridge was released to the contractors before the commencement of the construction work three years ago.
But, barring two concrete pillars on either end of the Teesta river, the bridge never came up and the entire money went into the pockets of corrupt officials and contractors, he alleged.
“But for RTI, the blatant case of swindling of public money would have been left hidden in the files,” he said.
Mr Chhetri claimed he has documentary evidence of another case of corruption in the construction of a proposed Rs 13-crore bridge at Singtam to connect south and east Sikkim in which one-third of the projected cost has already been released to the contractor without commencement of any work on the ground.

Bridge to Dzongu missing between two pillars

GANGTOK, October 23: In its latest ‘Bhandaphor’ episode, State BJP unit today came forward with RTI documents claiming of misuse of Rs. 4.95 crore in an apparently abandoned multi span steel bridge project over Teesta river at Gour, Dzongu in North Sikkim.

As per the claims of BJP here, only two pillars have been erected in the project in the past two years that had been sanctioned at a cost of Rs. 4.9 crores resulting in wastage of public money. The fund for the bridge had been sanctioned by the North Eastern Council (NEC) and the people here have been taken for a ride, said BJP alleging massive misuse of public money.

Out of the total sanctioned fund, a sum of Rs. 4.3 crores have been allegedly utilized by the contractor who has only two cement pillars on both sides of the river to show leaving one to wonder how the bridge will ever come up with the remaining funds left.

As per the sign board posted along the site, the project started on January 21, 2006 and date of completion is January 21, 2007.

Interestingly, the cost of the sign board has been shown as Rs. 15,000 while a sum of Rs. 5.5 lakhs has been shown utilized for consultancy fees! To top it off, a sum of Rs. 10.8 lakhs have been shown utilized as contingency expenditure as per the documents provided to BJP.

The concerned department has already paid 90 percent of the costs while in reality, it looks that the 90 percent of the works still remain for the completion of the bridge, claimed BJP.

State BJP vice president Padam Chettri told the media that he will be taking up the issue of misuse of Central schemes by the State government with the national leaders and the concerned Ministry. The Centre should not give a free hand to the State government to misuse the public money and make Sikkim a den of corruption, he said.

“The Centre and DoNER should keep proper tab on the implementation of the government schemes here,” said Chettri promising to serially expose the other bridges ‘constructed only in paper’ in the State.

(SIKKIMEXPRESS)

ACT ends 915 days of hydro-protests

GANGTOK, October 14: Ending 915 days of protest against proposed mega power projects in Dzongu, North Sikkim, the Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT) today formally entered into a dialogue with State Government with both sides expressing hopes of early settlement of grievances and concerns attached with the projects.
The State Government had invited ACT today for an ice-breaking meeting for the talks ahead after the anti-hydel body withdrew its 915 days of relay hunger strike on September 27 this year following the offer of talks.
Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, State power minister Sonam Gyatso and chief secretary TT Dorji were present during the meeting with ACT team led by its president Athup Lepcha and chief coordinator Tseten Lepcha here at Samman Bhavan.
While welcoming the ACT for the dialogue with the State Government, the Chief Minister said that he had never intended to hurt the sentiments of the people of Dzongu, North Sikkim with the mega power projects. These developmental activities have been ushered in the by State Government with the objectives of making Sikkim an economically self-reliant and giving tempo to the ongoing socio-economic development of the State, he said.
Incidentally, today was the first time that Mr. Chamling had come face to face with the ACT since the protest began two years ago.
Appealing the ACT to forget the past, the Chief Minister said that both sides should focus on the present and work for the development of the State while giving enough protection to the local aspirations and sentiments.
“The doors of dialogue and let us sit together and talk. Let us search for solutions and not focus on problems only. Whatever the State government can do to pacify your concerns, we will do”, said Mr. Chamling asking the ACT to place their grievances and concerns to the Chief Secretary to set the dialogue process in motion.
Mr. Chamling also congratulated the ACT for the democratic mode of protest to raise the concerns attached with the mega power projects in Dzongu.
The Chief Minister added that the State government is leaving no stones unturned in developing Dzongu and other parts of North Sikkim. He informed that the State government has already launched into an ambitious project of setting up a monastery inside a massive rock in North Sikkim.
Earlier ACT president Athup Lepcha expressed his hopes that the State Government will address the issues and concerns of his body and Lepcha community of Dzongu during the talks.

Sikkim CM Chamling meets ACT members to end stand-off on hydel projects

Gangtok,October13 : Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling on Tuesday defended his government's decision to tap hydro power resources for augmenting revenues for development of the state even as he assured the Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT), opposed to the move, that their genuine concerns and grievances will be addressed.

Addressing the ACT activities for the first time after the outfit withdrew its 27-month long agitation last month, he said that the state government had gone ahead with tapping its hydro power resources to generate revenues and ensure all round development in the state.

It must be understood by all that the state has limited natural resources for generation of domestic revenues and at the same time the hydro power potential worked out to be a tempting proposition for development to sustain the state economy in the long term, Chamling said.

It was in the larger public interest that the state government went ahead with the award of 29 projects to the developers so that Sikkim may become self-dependent in terms of economy through accrual of revenue from the hydro power projects, the Chief Minister said.

The general public interests and the impact of the hydro power projects on the ecology and environment of the Himalayan state too were taken into account while going ahead with the projects, Chamling said.

On the ACT's contention that the hydel projects at Dzongu posed a threat to the socio-cultural and religious ethos of the indigenous Lepcha people, the Chief Minister said that the majority in the area favoured hydel projects and had elected the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) nominee Sonam Gyatso Lepcha as their MLA. However, the state government has respect for opposite views, he said and asked the ACT to submit their demands to the high powered committed headed by the Chief Secretary for redressal.

The ACT Chief Coordinator Tseten Lepcha said that the organisation always wanted the state government to hear their grievances, but it did not work out, prompting them to carry on with the agitation.

The ACT had called off its 27-month agitation against the proposed projects at Dzongu in North Sikkim on September 27.

The ACT had hailed the state government's decision to engage in dialogue with it but said that it was keeping all its option, including judicial remedy, open if the dialogue failed to address its concerns.

Zee Bureau Report

Sikkim Government Seeks to placate ACT to call off stir

Gangtok, Sept 25 : Apparently embarassed by the apolitical ngo Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT)'s tirade against proposed hydel projects at Dzongu in North Sikkim, the government may seek to prevail on it to call off its stir in the interest of the economic development in Sikkim.


The Chamling government has taken note of the observations of a white paper on the hydro power projects which had taken a dim view of the its initiative to handle the agitation, official sources told PTI.

The state government may invite the ACT leadership for discussion shortly to address their grievances to persuade it to call off its 28-month old agitation, they said. An ACT leader confirmed that the state government has contacted them for talks on the issues raised by them, but they were yet to receive an official invitation.
The state government has to come out with concrete proposals how it proposed to deal with the ACT's core demand of scrapping of half a dozen proposed hydel projects in Dzongu in North Sikkim inhabited for centuries by the primitive Lepcha tribals, who revere the mountains as their gods, he said.

The ACT had launched the agitation against the hydel projects in Sikkim on June 20, 2007 to highlight the plight of Lepchas and the damage to the ecology and environment the 28 projects could cause.
(PTI)

Another apolitical outfit takes cudgel against hydro projects

Gangtok, Aug 29 Yet another apolitical outfit - Affected People's Forum (Teesta Stage V & VI) - has questioned the viability of hydel projects in North Sikkim claiming that the water sources in that region has dried up due to construction works at the 1200 MW hydel project at Chungthang.

In a memorandum submitted to the Governor B P Singh, the outfit has demanded immediate suspension of the construction works by the private development, Lanco Energy Company, saying that the natural sources of water in North Sikkim have dried up due to drilling, blasting and tunnelling activities for the construction of the mega hydel project in question.

Apart from the natural water sources drying up, the residential buildings have developed cracks to jeopardise the safety of the local people due to the unmitigated disaster being caused to the pristine landscape of North Sikkim due to the construction works at the hydel project site, it alleged in its eight-point memorandum to the Governor.

The APF further accused the developer with hurting the cultural and religious sensibilities of the tribal people by acquiring the land which they have been using for nearly 70-80 years for cremation purposes, the memorandum claimed, adding the developer has failed to provide an alternative site to enable the people to perform the last rites of their dead relatives.

The Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT) condems arrests of Lepchas

GANGTOK, August 17: The Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT) issued a press statement today condemning the ‘arbitrary arrest of innocent Primitive Lepchas’ of Dzongu by ‘Indian Reserve Battalion/Sikkim Police’ allegedly on the behest of Teesta Urja Pvt Ltd at Raman, Upper Dzongu.

“A fact finding team of the grievance cell of ACT after interacting with the victims have found out that contrary to the media report that these youths had trespassed in the office of the Teesta Urja Ltd, at Ramam, the company had in fact trespassed on the ancestral land of the Lepchas and they were extracting building material and wood, even though no compensation has been paid to the land owner of the particular plot”, stated Tseten Lepcha, ACT vice president in the press statement.

According to ACT, the minor altercation that took place on July 21 between the land owner, Tenzing Lepcha and the non-local driver of the company was used as pretext by the company people who then ‘physically abused the youths and then misused the IRB Personnel stationed there to further beat the indigenous Lepchas in their own land, arrested them and assaulted them even after they were put in the cell at Chungthang police station’. These innocent members of tribes were kept without food or water in the cell and no information were given to their families, said ACT.

The ACT termed the above incident as an attempt to ‘subjugate the voices of the Sikkimese public who have been very seriously affected by the destructive hydro projects’. The private company is misusing the presence of the IRB to further harass and intimidate all those who have been suffering silently, alleged ACT.

The ACT in its press statement have demanded immediate withdrawal of the baseless cases against the members of the tribes, provide immediate compensation to all those who had been physically harmed and ensure that all labour camps area removed from the Dzongu area, as per the directions of Ministry of Environment and Forests. The body further said that it will seek the intervention of the Ministry to implement this clause in the Dzongu Region of Teesta Stage III hydro electric project.

The ACT has also demanded the withdrawal of IRB from the remote and peaceful Dzongu region so that the ‘force is not misused by the project developers to suppress the people of North Sikkim’.

Dzongu landslides near Sankalang Bridge cleared

MANGAN, August 12: The North Sikkim Highway at Sankalang Bridge towards Dzongu was blocked till 11:45 am this morning following landslides triggered by last night’s torrential rains.
The Panchayats and the public of Dzongu chipped in to clear the slush when they were told that GREF was unable to clear the stretch due to lack of technical equipment.
Speaking to this Correspondent, the public of Dzongu raised concern on the lack of technical equipment with GREF especially during emergencies like landslides.
“We are sorry to say that the GREF has still not repaired the foundation walls of both the road and Sankalang Bridge, which were damaged last year,” they said.
The people were also of the opinion that the State Government authorities should also monitor such kind of carelessness which may invite big disaster in rainy season.

Sikkim’s SOS to Union Power Minister Shinde

To remove CISME redflag on six hydel projects of North Sikkim
GANGTOK, August 9: The State Government has sought the intervention of Union Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde regarding the six hydel power projects proposed in North Sikkim that has been withheld by the Union Ministry of Forest and Environment (MoEF).
It is informed that the State Government had approached Mr. Shinde for permission to go ahead with the ‘red flagged’ power projects whose total projected capacity is 1047 MW. The private developers of the six power projects are also putting pressure on the State Government to approach the Centre for go ahead with the construction of the projects.
Sources informed that the State government has explained the facts of the six hydel projects in North Sikkim to the Union Power Minister during a recent video conference with him. The State Government has urged the Union Power Minister to take up the matter with the MoEF to remove the bottleneck for the construction projects to begin, the sources said.
It is informed that the Mr. Shinde has assured to look into the matter.
Meanwhile, the State Government will also separately take up the case with the MoEF over the six hydel power projects and seek review of the report of the Centre for Inter-Disciplinary Studies of Mountains and Hill Environment (CISME) about the carrying capacity of Teesta River.
It may be recalled that the MoEF had on July asked the State Government to defer the six hydel power projects in upstream of Teesta River on the basis of CISME report which had concluded that these projects will endanger the fragile economy and bio-diversity of the mountain range in North Sikkim.
The MoEF had taken the CISME report seriously and derailed six proposed hydel power projects in North Sikkim giving the State Government no option but to put the proposed projects in hold following the Centre’s directions to the State Government not to proceed with the construction of the six projects.
The projects affected by the Centre's directive include Teesta Stage I (280 MW), Teesta Stage II (330 MW), Lachen (120 MW), BOP (99 MW) and Bimkyong (99 MW) and Lachung (99MW).
Various formalities like land acquisition and survey works by the developers at the six projects have been stopped after the MoEF wrote a terse letter last month suggesting that these projects were unviable citing a study report by CISME which effectively derailed the projects.
Apart from approaching the Union Power Minister over the derailed hdyel power projects in North Sikkim, the State Government had earlier taken out a white paper on hydel power development in Sikkim which had been tabled in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly during the recent budget session.
The white paper has recommended the State Government to reinvestigate the Chungthang region in North Sikkim where the Ministry of Environment and Forests have asked the State Government that projects above Chungthang region should not be considered for construction of dams due to its vast biodiversity. The State Government cannot abandon projects with 1050 MW capacity that have been awarded to the developers without a proper examination of the issues.
The State Government should, therefore reinvestigate the region to find the factual position and arrive at the final decision with regard of the development of these projects, the white paper had recommended

Hydro-Power projects a boon or bane for Sikkim?

The 510 MW Teesta Stage V hydel power station commissioned by National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) was dedicated to the nation recently by Union Power Minster Sushil Kumar Shinde in a formal ceremony at Baluwatar located in East Sikkim along the Teesta river, some 40 kms away from the Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim.

Built at a cost of Rs. 2619 crores and completed in a span of eight years, the Teesta Stage V mega power project had been fully commissioned in March last year and is one of the largest hydel power plants in the Northeast region.

The electricity being generated at Teesta Stage V plant is being supplied to power the deficit States of West Bengal, Orissa, Jharkhand and Bihar which had previously entered into a purchase agreement with NHPC.

Mr. Shinde said that the Teesta Stage V plant would go a long way to tide over the power shortage in West Bengal, Orissa, Jharkhand and Bihar. The Union Minister also added that the commissioning of the hydel plant has also helped the Himalayan state of Sikkim financially as it has been getting 12 per cent free power of its installed capacity which fetches it about 125 crores annually. This has emerged as a permanent source of revenue which could be utilized for various development works. The Union Minister lavishly praised Chief Minister Pawan Chamling for his commitment to the state’s development. Mr. Shinde said that it was due to Mr. Chamling’s leadership that the border state of Sikkim will become financially self-reliant in years to come, once all the ongoing power project construction works are completed and get commissioned.Chief Minister Chamling termed the inauguration of the project as an exemplary act of development done by Sikkim.

However, ACT, an NGO based on North Sikkim, is in no mood to say that the hydro power projects being set up in the state are completely for the prosperity of the Sikkimese people. It is demanding that the heavy hydro power projects being set up in Dzongu, the place of origin of the Lepcha community, the primitive tribe of India, should be stopped. The organization has been staging a continuous relay hunger strike since 20th June, 2007.

Protestors voice their grievances to deaf ears
Mr. Dawa Lepcha and Tenzing Lecpha had even staged a continuous month long hunger strike without even drinking water. Later on, they withdrew their strike on the assurance from the government that some of their demands would be taken into consideration. However, the state government did not stick to this promise.

Despite all this, ACT was the talk of the state till the period before the general elections of 2009. The political observers were also of the view that Lepcha votes would go against the SDF, the ruling party. And the movement was also able to earn the sympathy not only from Lepchas but also from other communitys, so much that some political parties had even tried to fight the election, riding on ACT.

However, with the announcement of the election results, the ACT movement took a back seat as the SDF won the election with a thumping majority of all 32 seats in the Assembly and also the Lok Sabha seat. Mr. Sonam Gyathso Lepcha, MLA of Dzongu constituency, also won by a huge margin from the constituency. These election results speak of the popularity of the SDF and the people’s support of the mega hydle power projects. SDF chief Mr. Chamling rewarded the Dzongu MLA Mr. Lepcha by promoting him to the post of Power minister from a mere MLA.

ACT holds the view that besides the threat to the Lepcha community, the power projects have affected the environment too. Mr. Tseten Lepcha, coordinator of the organization said that the Panan project one of the hydro power projects in Dzongu is being developed by encroaching into the Khangchendzonga National Park as the developers are undertaking catchments area treatment there.

On the other hand, the state as well as the developers contended that this was not a project component and would be returned after completion of the catchments area treatment. This is in violation of Supreme Court orders. Other grievances of ACT are influx of outsiders into the Lepcha reserve of Dzongu and the resultant dilution of Lepcha culture and heritage..

Are hydro power projects really dangerous for the environment?
ONe of the tunnels at the Teesta River

Experts are of the view that hydro power is more reliable and efficient and a less expensive energy source than geothermal, biomass, wind, and solar energy. It is a clean source of power as it produces no carbon dioxide, sulfurdioxide, nitrous oxides, or any other air emissions. In addition, it produces no solid or liquid waste. Hydro power is also one of the least expensive sources of electricity.

Mr. S. K. Garg, Chairman & Managing Director, NHPC Ltd, also adds that while developing hydropower projects, NHPC is very sensitive and concerned about R&R and environmental issues and adopts a very balanced approach.

He says NHPC obtains site, environment and forest clearances as per the statutory requirements and also tries to utilize minimum forest area. Environment impact assessment is conducted and based on that, an environment management plan (EMP) is framed to properly address the environmental issues. Close monitoring is done to ensure effective implementation of EMPs. Post-construction EIA to evaluate pre- and post-construction scenario to ascertain the efficacy of environment management plan is also undertaken.

What is left of our Children?
According to him, NHPC has formulated detailed compensation packages based on various approved relief and rehabilitation guidelines. Compensation package includes various allowances for shifting, subsistence allowances until a family member finds employment, special grants for SC/ST families, and rehabilitation sites for affected families with adequate infrastructure, sanitation, educational and other amenities. NHPC also ensures a public hearing process and tribunals for redressing public grievances on these issues.

But it is also a fact that most hydroelectric projects have dams whereby a river habitat is often replaced by a lake habitat. Thus, habitats for wildlife on land and for organisms in the water are destroyed or altered by impoundments of rivers. Examples in Tennessee are the Little Tennessee River and Tellico Lake. The biggest issue in the Northwest has been blocking upstream and downstream movement of fish. Salmon must be able to migrate upstream from the ocean to reproduce in fresh water. Even with the use of fish ladders to help salmon go up over dams and enter upstream spawning areas, the presence of hydroelectric dams essentially has changed the migration pattern of fish. The coho, chinook, and sockeye salmon populations of the Northwest, which once were abundant, are either on or will soon be on the endangered species list. They are headed for extinction, in part, because of hydropower. However, federal dams, not nonfederal dams, are primarily responsible for the reduction of the Pacific Northwest salmon population from about 16 million to 300,000 wild fish each year. The bottom line is that hydropower production is decreasing as new environmental protection is enforced. Another big problem now is getting the young fish back downstream and into the ocean. On the way they can be killed as they pass through the turbines. Development of hydroelectric dams can have adverse effects on water quality in several different ways. Tree clearing can result in soil erosion and landslides, causing a buildup of sediments that can clog up streams. Spilling of water over spillways can result in super saturation of the water with gases from the air. The gas bubbles, which are absorbed into fish tissue, may cause damage and ultimately kill the fish.

Another problem with dams is that, even if the water quality is not degraded, major habitat changes can occur if the natural hydrology of the river is changed. This issue is normally lumped under the term “in stream flow” problems. If the amount of water released downstream changes, either on a seasonal basis or, in the short term, say, on an hourly basis, that can have adverse effects on fish and other organisms

Passingdang Stakeholders to approach various departmental heads

GANGTOK, August 8: The block development authorities of Passingdang in Dzongu, North Sikkim have decided to take strong measures against the truant officials of line departments by approaching the heads of the concerned departments.
The decision was taken during a coordination meeting of the local authorities of Passingdang block held at the conference hall of Passingdang conference hall on August 7.
The coordination meeting had been chaired by SCMU Ltd (Mangan) chairman Choden Lepcha and presided by Passingdang BDO Jigmee Dorjee. Local gram Panchayat presidents, secretaries and ward Panchayats of all GPUs under Passingdang BAC, Dzongu and Panchayat inspector KT Lama attended the meeting, informs a press note.
The press release informs that the meeting took a serious note of various complaints from the general public regarding the absence of line department officers and junior engineers, who incidentally, were absent during the meeting itself.
It was suggested that the concerned heads of departments at Gangtok would have to be approached in order to streamline and direct these officers to make judicious use of their posts and various infrastructure provided by the government at Passingdang BAC. The resolution to approach the higher authorities was passed in the meeting.
The meeting also decided that the Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC) initiated by the government since 1999 will be given a vigorous continuity in all the GPUs of Passingdang with special emphasis on hygiene and anti-defecation policies.
A block level developmental committee cum planning committee was formed with the area MLA as chairman and Choden Lepcha as vice-chariman. The members of the committee include all gram Panchayat presidents, secretaries, line departmental officials, headmasters and principals.
The Passingdang BDO is the member secretary of this committee.
During the meeting, the gram Panchayats were asked to maintain a register at the gram Panchayat level to keep a record of all the demand letters of the public including NREGA works and other schemes in order to facilitate planning and acceptance in future.
It was also decided to approach the managing director, State Bank of Sikkim for providing a bank counter at the BAC itself to facilitate the public for payment of power bills, get bank receipts for various certificates and for operation of NREGA accounts and of job card holders.
The meeting further decided that minimum user charge would be levied by all gram Panchayats for minor repairs of rural infrastructure in their respective GPUs with the proceeds going into the Panchayat development fund.
The meeting concluded with the chairman suggesting that such coordination meetings should be monthly for review as well as carrying out impending works and take in new ideas and suggestions.

Dzongu : Hidden Paradise of North Sikkim

North Sikkim - Dzongu

Dzongu, the special Lepcha reserve, lies in the North District of Sikkim amidst steep inclines and deep valleys in the last range of earth covered hills ahead of the rocky Himalayan snow clad peaks. An almost virgin territory with a scanty population of Sikkim’s native inhabitants, it is a beautiful land of dense jungle groves and pristine glacial streams that nurture both the human and natural habitation around. Numerous waterfalls cascade down steep cliffs and bubbling hot springs can be found hidden beneath the shelter of caves. The area is remote and surrounded by formidable jagged peaks that reach out to the sky. Elevation ranges from 500m to 6000m and the extremes have nurtured an amazing diversity of plants and wildlife.

Homeland of the Lepcha, the original inhabitants of Sikkim, the territory was designated a special reserve for the Lepcha community since the 1960’s when Sikkim was still a kingdom ruled by Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal. It borders the Khangchendzonga National Park and Biosphere Reserve offering panoramic views of Mount Khangchendzonga (8,585m), the third highest summit in the world and the protective deity of Sikkim.

Sparsely populated, the area’s steep hills pitching into deep ravines portray a picturesque setting of solitude and calm. Although agriculture is the mainstay of its natives, large tracts of the terrain is too steep to allow terrace cultivation of grain crops, so here the major produce is cardamom which can comfortably take root and flourish in sloped inclines.

Dzongu's terrain (Photo: Pema Wangchuk, NOW)

This is the last bastion in Sikkim of Lepcha culture where one could possibly meet some of the last local shamans referred locally as the ‘boongthing’ who still practice the ancient animistic rituals. Sadly, this culture is coming close an end with Buddhism taking over as the dominant religion.

The Boongthing (Lepcha shaman) of Tingvong
(Photo: Pema Wangchuk, NOW)

Places of Interest in Dzongu

Traditional Lepcha House

A Lepcha museum is located at Namprikdong, 10 minutes' drive from the Sangkalang police check post and its construction displays the ingenuity of an age-old tradition of laying the superstructure on open surface (over stone slabs) to counter the effects of powerful earthquakes. Another unique feature in the construction of traditional Lepcha houses is that no nails are used. This is an interesting point to begin ones exploration of Dzongu. While visiting the traditional house, one can walk further beyond to see the confluence of the Teesta River (Rongyoung Kyong).

Tholung Monastery

This is one of Sikkim’s oldest monasteries and was built during the first visit of Guru Lhatsun Chempo. A festival celebrated every three years puts on display the treasured clothing of the revered Guru. Exploration around the periphery of the monastery, there are hot springs and sacred caves.

Cane Bridges

Traditional Lepcha bridges are made from long sections of split bamboo, a ingenious feat of grass root engineering and can be seen at Passingdong and above Tholung Monastery.

Cane Suspension Bridge near Tholung Gompa

Waterfalls

Waterfalls are everywhere in Dzongu, with the biggest and the best is in Lingzya, on the way to Sakyong and Pentong. The Ruk Shot waterfall has a drop of 250 ft.

Waterfall below Kishong Lake - above Tholung Gompa

Lakes

Lakes are sacred to the Lepcha as they believe that some of the clans originated from the lakes. Some important lakes with historical significance in Dzongu are Kishong, Tung Kyong and Dawathang.

Sakyong and Pentong

Folklore suggests that the twin villages of Sakyong and Pentong to be the ‘legendary sacred portal to Khangchendzonga’ and seemingly so, it's locale reveals an awesome view of this beautiful mountain amidst a facade of verdant valleys abounding with lush meadows and thick forestland. Facing each other across a valley-divide, the two pretty villages lie amidst forest groves and cardamom fields with waterfalls roaring down the mountain cliffs. Both villages lie remote and are worth visiting for their pretty views and ethnic culture

Tingvong Village

Tingvong is located on a gentle slope overlooking the yawning valleys amidst terraced farmlands of mustard, millet and vegetables. Sparkling streams flow through the village and its tranquil surroundings make it an ideal base for your stay in Dzongu and from here you can map out other day excursions to nearby villages and monasteries in the surrounding area.

Tingvong (Photo: Jim Ratcliffe)

Lingthem Village

Lingthem is famous for its spectacular views of the Khangchendzonga Range. The village is a three hours uphill walk from road head at Passingdong across terraced fields and pine ridges. Though the ascent is strenuous, the labour of your efforts is richly rewarded with great mountain views and the mesmerizing beauty that nature has on the offer. Here, one has the opportunity for a close look at old traditional houses still intact, probably the last relics of Lepcha architecture.

Lingthem (Photo: Jim Ratcliffe)

Bird Watching

Dzongu is a natural paradise for birds and there are more than 200 species in the area. The sparse population with scattered houses, dense evergreen forests with topographical extremes creates a perfect arena for avifaunal diversity. Bird watching is an enjoyable and educative experience and Dzongu offers this opportunity. Of the 1200 species of birds found in India 550 species have been recorded in Sikkim. The Dzongu hills comprise an area that is approximately 540 sq km in area. The upper reaches comprise of glaciers, snow clad peaks, alpine lakes, moraine and meadows. A network of streams with several waterfalls along the course flows into the Ringpi Chu River. This river originates at the Kishong Lake, 4228 m and cascades down to meet the Rongyong Chhu at an altitude of 1085 m - all in a distance of 26 km. The lower half of the valley has mixed open forest with amazing biodiversity. The altitudinal variation, variety of trees and shrubs, lack of human population and vehicular traffic combine to make it a haven for birds, and a prime birding site.

Home Stay

With little possibility for entrepreneurs to set up a hotel in the area due its status as a special reserve and restricted area, but since visitors are allowed entry with special permission, several home owners have decided to take in ‘home stay guests’.

A Dzongu home stay is a unique experience and a great way to understand local culture and make new friends. Visitors will live with the families and eat meals prepared by the family. Local villagers serve as guides and cultural programs of folk dancing and singing will be organized to highlight local cultures and traditions.

Children at play - Tingvong (Photo: Pema Wangchuk, NOW)

Home stay hosts will ensure that their visitors are kept comfortable in every way possible. They are trained to provide food and drinking water in a hygienic manner. Drinking water is boiled. Guests are served traditional village food unless they request otherwise. All Home stay hosts have been trained to provide clean rooms and fresh linen.

Many guests are apprehensive about toilet facilities on a home stay but even if the facilities do happen to be rudimentary and basic in comparison to Western standards, they nevertheless are kept clean and well maintained. While some homes do have western-style toilets, it is quite likely that you will have to walk a little distance beyond your room when it becomes necessary to answer the call of nature.

The Lepcha are a shy and timid people with an uncanny sense of the wilderness as a result of their ancestors having lived off the land eating wild plants and hunting animals. Their language and culture indicates ancestral ties with the indigenous people of Northern Burma and Southern China, and nearer home, to the hill peoples of North-East India (Nagaland and Manipur).

(courtsey:QuestHimalaya)