Sikkim's Ritual Journeys to be screened @International Festival of Ethnographic Films 2011 LONDON

GANGTOK, 05 May: “Ritual Journeys”, a documentary film by cinematographer, activist and passionate archivist of Lepcha culture and way of life, Dawa Lepcha, with Anna Balicki Denjongpa as anthropologist consultant, has been selected for the prestigious Royal Anthropological Institute International Festival of Ethnographic Films 2011. Dawa will be travelling to London to present the film at the festival to be held from 23-26 June 2011. Significantly, Dawa has also been selected for a 10-day [12 to 22 June] course on film editing at the University of Manchester. The film has also been selected for the Freiburg Film Festival, Germany.

Before London gets to watch the movie, the opportunity comes to all interested in Sikkim as it premieres this Saturday, 07 May, at the main hall, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology. Entry is free for the premiere screening which will have ‘Nekung’ Keepu T Lepcha as chief guest and begin at 2 p.m.

The film is an intimate portrait of Meyrak, an 80-year-old Bongthing from Dzongu. Dawa followed Meyrak with his camera and recorded his daily life and rituals over seven years from 2003 to the year 2010.
Interviews, conversations and rituals shot over this extensive schedule have been condensed into a 75-minute film by Dawa and Anna and promises to offer an insight into a way of life which is fading away, even as it allows a peek into what defines the Lepcha way of life in general.
Although the finances to facilitate Dawa’s travel to the prestigious film festival are not yet completely in place, both, Dawa and Anna, decided early that they would not charge an entry fee for the premiere show. This was primarily because they wanted as many students as were interested to be able to attend the screening.
“As much as we want the younger generation to learn something about Lepcha culture and traditions through this movie, we also hope that watching this movie will convince some of them to look at their elders with more respect and take their heritage more seriously. Maybe we will also succeed in helping them learn of different kinds of filmmaking like this ethnographic film and maybe some of them will be inspired to document their cultures themselves,” shares Dawa.
The inspiration part, if it succeeds, will be apt because Dawa also discovered the importance and power of ethnographic films from an outside inspiration. As Anna shares by way of background: “Dawa was inspired by documentaries on National Geographic to start shooting in Dzongu and making his first documentary record of a traditional bridge-making exercise”. He has been documenting Lepcha rituals and traditions ever since. Dawa was a trained filmmaker to begin with, having completed a 2-year diploma course on film direction from the National Institute of Film and Fine Arts in Kolkata.
Dawa’s first ethnographic film collaboration with Anna was “Tingvong”, a film of the village in Dzongu made back in 2005. Even that effort had made the cut for screening at the RAI International Festival of Ethnographic Films. “Ritual Journeys” is the second film to come out of this collaboration and has made the grade again.
Getting shortlisted for the RAI festival is a significant achievement since this film festival figures among the top-5 festivals of ethnographic films in Europe and receives more than 300 entries. “Ritual Journeys” has been slotted in the “Intangible Culture Film Prize” category.
As much as he is elated with the selection of the movie for the festival, Dawa is also excited about the film editing course he will be taking at the University of Manchester which will introduce him on how to put together an ethnographic film. Anna puts the significance of this course in perspective when she explains: “Dawa is a very good and sensitive cinematographer, but he has not taken a proper editing course yet. There is no course available in India for ethnographic film editing, so this opportunity to take the course in Manchester is splendid.”
Those who make it to premiere will also receive the opportunity to purchase DVDs of the film priced at Rs. 150.

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.

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)

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’.

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)

Tendong Lho Rum Phat @ Gangtok college auditorium

Gangtok Aug08 : On the occasion of a two-day Tendong Lho Rum Phat celebration, a literarily programe organized by Mutam Chi Aree Tarhat Promzum in collaboration with Rong Ong Sezung was held at Sikkim Government College auditorium on Friday. Mr. Sonam Gyathso Lepcha, state power minister, was chief guest of the programme and Mr. L.M. Lepcha, MLA, Nathang Machong constituency, was guest of honour.
On the day, three events were organized for students - debate, quiz and extempore speech.
Three students each from Khamdong Sr. Secondary School and Mangan Sr. Secondary School participated in the debate competition on the subject: “Daughter has also right to claim property inheritance”. Khamdong was first and Mangan second.
In quiz competition, two students each from Louing Sr. Secondary School (East), Govt Sr. Secondary School (North) and Lingee Sr. Secondary School (East) participated. Lingee stood first, Louing second.
In extempore speech Inchey school, Ranka and Ranipool students were first second and third respectively. Participants spoke in Lepcha in all events. The chief guest Mr. Lepcha gave the prizes to the students. He appreciated the endeavour of organizing committee to uplift the Lepcha language and said students and the young generation should come forward to conserve and develop Lepcha language and society.
On the day, 14 Bungthing (priests) performed pujas and distributed Prasad to the devotees.

Tendong Lho Rum Faat celebration in Sikkim Today

GANGTOK, August 7: The celebration of Tendong Lho Rum Faat, an indigenous festival of the Lepcha community today began with various competitions at the auditorium of Sikkim Government College, Tadong.
State Power Minister Sonam Gyatso Lepcha, MLA Gnathang Machong Laxuman Lepcha and other dignitaries were present during the function.
Various dance, quiz, debate and flute competitions were organized between the students and the Lepcha organizations.
In his brief address, the State Power Minister said the youths should play a pro active role in preserving their culture, tradition and heritage. He also reminded of various achievements brought by the SDF government for the Lepcha Community in Sikkim.
The Chief Minister Pawan Chamling attended the main celebration on August 8 as Chief guest along with his cabinet members and speaker of Sikkim assembly.

Huge revenue and prosperity from hydro project in Sikkim not realistic - ACT

GANGTOK, August 6: Basing on the White Paper on hydel projects, the Affected Citizens of Teesta has said that the State Government’s contribution of 26 percent equity share in the hydel projects through loans taken from project developers and the subsequent repayment with interest from 12 percent free power that the state is to get from the projects has dazzled the public with promises of huge revenue and prosperity.
Quoting the White Paper that taking a loan for equity contribution might not be very attractive proposition, ACT general secretary Dawa Lepcha has questioned the reasons for the random implementation of numerous projects in such haste “if the future prospect of revenue generation on which the hydel projects are being justified and glorified is in serious doubt”.
He has further raised concerns whether projects would function as being projected before the loans are paid back given the volatile nature of rivers, landscapes and the receding glaciers.
He added that the paragraph from the White Paper surely does not give a promising picture.

Power Developers Violating Sikkim Land Acquisition rules :ACT

Blatant violations of Land Acquisition Act by Power Developers in Sikkim
Gangtok, August 3: Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT) accused the state government and Panang 280 MW power developer for cheating and misleading the common people while acquisition of land was completely illegal from the point of view of the land acquisition laws, company acts and rules, Dawa Lepcha, general Secretary of ACT said in a press release.
The release said that Himagiri Hydro Energy Pvt. Limited being a private limited company (with only three share holders, that too a family) cannot request the government to acquire lands other than those needed specifically for labour colonies and related amenities. In other words, lands needed for setting up of other parts of the projects cannot be acquired by the government for the said company. Since the entire lands needed by the company for Panang Project, has been acquired by the government on behalf of the said company, clear violation of the Section 44B of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, has taken place among others. Section 44B prohibits such action and proceedings the release reads.
The acquiring of lands identified for colony in Lingzya near the proposed dam site is also in violation of the “Specific Condition” of the clearance letter of MOEF. When there was specific condition that no labor or staff colony will be allowed inside Dzongu, there was no need to acquire the lands that were identified for setting up of labor colony, Lepcha said.
Act further claimed that the lands are being acquired for “Public Purpose” are in direct conflict with the acquisition laws, as not a single paise has been paid for compensation from the public revenue, which is mandatory for the acquisition to qualify as public purpose. The law clearly states that in case of acquisition for public purpose, whole or a part of compensation has to be paid or contributed from public revenue. The release further said that the 26 percent of equity share that is projected is not part of the compensation.
But in the case of Panang project & Teesta Stage III and many others the entire compensation has been paid by the companies with out a single paise contribution from public revenue. Hence these lands cannot be said to have been acquired for public purpose. This is a blatant violation of the Part VII of Land Acquisition Act, 1894, especially in the case of Himagiri Hydro Energy Private Limited. The laws and rules are being neglected and mocked by the mighty authorities, ACT said.
Subsequently, ACT has submitted a memorandum to the Chief Secretary N D Chingapa to look into the matter and that rectification done before the September 21, next month, after which ACT will place the matter in front of the highest court of judiciary.
On other front it was decided in a Executive Body meeting on 02/08/09 that ACT will form a separate grievance cell to look into the R&R implementation and the exploitation of the project affected people (PAP) and the environment of those areas where the project work have started, especially in the case of Teesta Stage III headed by ACT Chief Co-ordinator Tseten Lepcha.
(Sikkim Express)

Sikkim Lepchas seek Priya’s help

Gangtok, Oct.18: Lepchas of North Sikkim agitating against proposed power projects at Dzongu in Sikkim met the Union information and broadcasting minister, Mr Priya Ranjan Das Munshi at Kaliyaganj in North Dinajpur today and sought his intervention in stopping the construction work of the proposed hydroelectric power projects at Dzongu in North Sikkim.
The Lepcha representation led by Mr Tamsang met Mr Das Munshi and urged him to take up the matter at the national level and halt the project as it is coming up in area they hold sacred. Mr Tamsang said: "There were 27 hydel power production units in Sikkim and there is power crisis. Yet, the government is bent upon destroying the environment, culture and heritage of Sikkim in the name of development."According to him, the power project would destroy rivers, hills, vegetation and wildlife at Dzongu.Mr Das Munshi promised to bring the issue to the notice of the Sikkim chief minister Pawan Chamling and the Union power ministry. "From my end I would request them to reconsider the matter," he, said.

Sikkim Chief Minister Chamling bows, finally

GANGTOK, October 19: Chief minister Mr Pawan Chamling has finally agreed to look into the grievances of the Lepchas agitating against proposed hydroelectric power projects at Dzongu in North Sikkim, a place considered sacred by the Lepchas.Following a meeting with the agitators yesterday Mr Chamling said: "No development will come at the cost of the culture, tradition and identity of the Lepchas. The state government has stopped work on all the five hydel power projects till the review committee appointed in the matter completes its report." Urging the Joint Action Committee, which is supporting the Lepchas' agitation, to view the issue rationally and suggest necessary steps to find reasonable solution Mr Chamling said: "Now the Affected Citizens of Teesta should participate in the review process so that the government can find an appropriate solution and can fulfill the wishes of the Lepchas without having to face legal and other complications." The Opposition is viewing Mr Chamling's "about turn" on the issue as a result of mounting political pressure.They are also inclined to view it as the chief minister's move to appease the Lepcha community before the forthcoming panchayat polls in the state. Various Lepcha associations including the Affected Citizens of Teesta, Indigenous Lepcha Tribal Association, Rong Ong Prongzom, Darjeeling Lepcha Youth Wings, Concern Lepchas of Sikkim and various other associations are agitating against the power projects.According them, the Lepchas are primarily nature worshippers and so the mountains, lakes, rivers, hills, trees in Dzongu are sacred to the Lepcha community.

SIKKIM CHIEF MINISTER MEETS LEPCHA DELEGATION

No development will come at the cost of the culture, tradition and identity of the Lepchas: Dr.Chamling
GANGTOK, October 17: A major breakthrough has been achieved on the long 118 days of ACT led hunger strike by way of a direct dialogue between Chief Minister Pawan Chamling and representatives of various Lepcha organizations.
A delegation of representatives from various Lepcha associations under the banner of Dzongu Holy Land Protection Joint Action Committee met the Chief Minister yesterday at his official residence at Mintokgang and placed a memorandum of demands over Dzongu issue which primarily sought government protection and preservation of Dzongu and traditions and customs of primitive Lepcha tribe in Dzongu and State.
During a meeting “held in a cordial and positive atmosphere”, the chief minister committed to protect the sanctity of Dzongu and said that no development will come at the cost of the culture, tradition and identity of the Lepchas.
He further stated that the Government of Sikkim has stopped all works on all the five hydel projects till the Review committee completes its report. He also urged the members of the JAC, particularly the members from outside Sikkim to view the issue rationally and suggest necessary steps to find reasonable solution and that the ACT should participate in the review process so that the Government can find a way to fulfill the wishes of the Lepchas without having to face legal and other complications later on.
Most importantly, the meet is considered by the Lepcha protestors as a “historic meet” which enabled the tribe to reestablish their dialogue and put forth their demands directly to the chief minister. It may also be mentioned here that the ACT had been demanding to place their grievance directly to the chief minister from the first day of the hunger strike.
In the memorandum, the Dzongu Holy Land Protection JAC had stated that Dzongu is the one and only land from where the Lepchas originated and will return to their ancestors after death no matter where they reside. “No matter which religion we belief or practice today, we are primarily nature worshippers and so the mountains, lakes, rivers, hills, trees etc in Dzongu are sacred to us,” the memorandum read.
Many Lepcha leaders also put forward their observations on the contagious issue of the implementation of the mega hydroelectric power projects in North Sikkim, including those proposed in the Lepcha reserve of Dzongu.
Informing that all the organizations involved in the protest are apolitical and committed to the cause, the JAC during the meeting also believed that the hopes and aspirations of the Lepchas will be fulfilled soon.
Moreover, the Satyagraha will continue till a final solution is achieved, JAC leaders say.
The JAC was represented by the President, Lyangsong Tamsang, who is also the President of Indigenous Lepcha Tribal Association. NT Lepcha, Secretary Kalimpong Lepcha Association, SM Lepcha ,Advisor Darjeeling Lepcha Association, Dorjee Lepcha, President Rong Ong Prongzom, KPG, Advocate B Namchu of Kurseong Lepcha Association, Nhen Tsh Lepcha, President of Darjeeling Lepcha Youth Wing, Samden Foning, General Secretary Darjeeling Youth Wing while Namgyal Lepcha, Advisor CLOS, Gyatso Lepcha, President CLOS, Representative of Sangha of Dzongu, Tenzing Lepcha. And Sherap Lepcha of ACT were representatives from Sikkim State.
The day was also the 59th day of the hunger strike initiated by the Lepchas of Kalimpong and the 46th day of the Lepchas of Darjeeling. All the associations had carried out the hunger strike to protect the Sanctity of Dzongu against the implementation of numerous destructive Mega hydro electric Power Projects in North Sikkim.
The meet was also attended by senior cabinet Ministers and senior government officials.