Sikkim Mail

Gangtok: November 17, 2011:

The people of west Sikkim, especially the members of ‘Save Sikkim Organisation’ (SSO) have been opposing the Shiga Tashiding Hydel project for the last three months. The project will result in 97 MW hydro electric project in Rathong Chu, in west Sikkim. The project involves construction of a 12 m high and 42.5 m long barrage, a head race tunnel, a surface power house of 2 x 48.5 MW turbines.

The organisation informed that the state government had acquired their land claiming the acquisition to be for the construction of road which they later found out was for the tunnel. There are around 200 household in the area which will be affected by the commencement of the project. Even though the people of the areas are completely against the project, the construction company has been adamant in starting the project.

SSO had submitted a memorandum to DC West on Monday and discussed the above issue. The organization today also met area MLA PL Subba in his residence. The villagers recently met the member of National Commission for Minorities, Government of India Spalzes Angmo on the above issue.

Regarding the issue while speaking over the phone DC West Shanta Pradhan informed Sikkim Mail that some villagers met him on Monday and had submitted a memorandum requesting the suspension of the project. The submitted memorandum has been forwarded to state government for decision. He also stated that nobody objected to the project in the initial phase. Regarding the controversy, government has formed committee under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary and they will visit the place and decide the future course of action.

 

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