MANGAN, March 29, 2012

The state power minister SG Bhutia in his statement on Dzongu on March 25 had urged the people not to attend the public hearing for Teesta Stage IV 520 MW project scheduled on March 29. He has said that the NHPC has fooled the innocent people of Dzongu and assurances given for the development of the areas still remains unfulfilled.

How can the same power developer can be trusted questioned the power minister. The minister had also said that the policy of the NHPC seems only to generate income and not for the betterment of the locals. ‘As an Area MLA I can’t dump my people in well’ said the power minister on Saturday.

In connection to this NHPC Limited has stated that, they are premier organisation in the country for development of hydro power with the total installed capacity of 5295 MW has marked its presence in the state of Sikkim with two Operating Power Stations (i.e. Teesta-V -510MW and Rangit- 60MW) and two Survey and Investigation Projects (i.e. Teesta-IV & Lachen). NHPC has given equal importance to execute and operate its project in an environment friendly and socially responsive manner. NHPC is sensitive towards its Project Affected Persons and fulfill the needs and aspirations of the PAFs with its sound R&R Policy. Being a socially responsible corporate citizen, NHPC is always committed for Health, Education, Peripheral Development and others through its comprehensive CSR Policy for the sustainable development of the local populace.

Overview of TEESTA-V POWER STATION (510 MW) & its benefits to the community NHPC started the construction of Teesta-V HEP in the year 2001 after getting necessary Government Clearances and signing MoU with the State Government. The Project has been commissioned in the year 2008 with the active support and co-operation from the State Government as well as Local People. The Project has in many ways contributed to the upliftment of People and overall development by creating job opportunities for locals.
Apart from its commitment of 12 % Free Power, NHPC is undertaking various social welfare and Philanthropic activities viz. Construction of School Buildings, Wash room in villages, Drinking Water facilities to the villagers, Capacity building training on Carpentry and Sewing for self employment, Health Camps, Immunization Programmes, Nurturing talents, Merit Scholarships, Up gradation of PHSC, Computer training, providing Computer and furniture to Schools etc. under its Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives.

During the recent earthquake in the month of Sept-2011, all the major installations/ components of Teesta-V Power Station stood unaffected suggesting thereby the high standards of Construction and State of the Art technology of NHPC structures. Within a span of 6 hours, we could able to restore the operation of Power House. Further to above, NHPC has stood firmly behind the Locals in the hours of crisis, extended all possible help and assistance to the victims by providing them with relief materials and also contributed a sum of ` 07 Crores to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.

To share the fruits of the benefits with the community, Kendriya Vidyalaya, NHPC, Singtam is imparting quality education not only to NHPC wards but also to the wards of the local population and thus playing a significant role in shaping the career of students of the State. NHPC in association with the State Government is also in the process of establishing an Industrial Training Institute at Chandey, North Sikkim with a financial commitment of Rs. 05 Crores. NHPC with its State of the Art 22 bedded Project Hospital at Balutar with ultra modern facilities and Project Dispensary, Samdong are serving round the clock wherein medical tests and medicines are provided free of cost to the people of the adjoining areas.

NHPC is looking forward for continued support from the state for its upcoming project in the North District so that the benefits in true sense reach the local masses in line with the developmental activities being carried out in the adjoining areas of the Power Stations in East and South Districts of the State.

On the other hand it will be now interesting to witness whether the locals turns out on March 29 or not.

 

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