MANGAN, August 2, 2013

The people of Upper and Lower Phodong, Tumlong and Rongong of North Sikkim affected by the ongoing 96-MW hydro electric project have blamed the power developer for recklessly amassing heaps of non-biodegradable items like cement bags, packets of  explosives at the project site.

This kind of reckless dumping of non-biodegradable items at the vicinity of the power project can lead to serious consequences if not corrected on time, they pointed out. The company also lacks a proper dumping area as per guidelines, the public further alleged.

The project was started in 2007 by Sneha Kinetic Power Pvt Ltd (SKPPL), but the affected families pointed out that no preference was given to them in the company jobs.

“No development programmes and schemes have been projected for the affected people under the R and R plan, still they haven’t taken any action for the protection of the land slide area to protect the public property,” they said adding that this was right away injustice.

The public further stated that the government should strictly direct the company to fulfilling the demands of the affected public.

It may be recalled that a couple of weeks ago, Dikchu PHC which was located right below the Tanek slide, as well as a school and few houses had to be evacuated to safer locations. The slide had occurred below Tanek Village under Ramthang-Tanek GPU of Kabi-Longtsok Constituency where the SKPPL had excavated the new cutting road for the surge shaft tunnel of 96 MW Dikchu Hydel Power Project.

(Courtesy: Sikkim Express)