Sikkim BJP Outraged: Fierce Opposition to Central Approval for Teesta-III Dam Reconstruction – Northeast News
The Sikkim BJP has firmly opposed the Union Environment Ministry’s recent approval for rebuilding the Teesta-III dam, destroyed in the October 2023 glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF). BJP spokesperson Passing Sherpa criticized the decision, arguing it overlooks the fragile Himalayan ecosystem and endangers local communities, especially given the recent flash floods on the Teesta River that killed over 40 people, damaged infrastructure, and destroyed the dam.
Sherpa condemned the Expert Appraisal Committee’s (EAC) rapid clearance for the dam’s reconstruction, alleging it ignores the inadequate spillway capacity and unassessed GLOF risks that contributed to the floods. He noted that the EAC approved the construction of a new concrete gravity dam without necessary studies, like the updated Probable Maximum Flood (PMF) assessment, essential per the Central Water Commission (CWC).
Highlighting procedural gaps, Sherpa criticized the lack of a new public hearing, pointing out reliance on a 2006 hearing was an oversight, especially post the 2023 disaster and climate crisis. The new dam design aims to increase spillway capacity from 7,000 to 19,946 cubic meters per second (cumec), but Sherpa stated that experts lack fresh data to validate this, and the EAC failed to mandate updated environmental studies.
Sherpa urged the EAC to retract its clearance until essential technical studies are thorough and independently reviewed, pressing for a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) accounting for updated rainfall data, GLOF risks, and Sikkim’s unique ecological sensitivities. He also called for new public consultations to consider local communities’ concerns. Finally, Sherpa appealed to the central government to uphold Article 371F, maintaining Sikkim’s special status, and placing ecological balance, safety, and cultural heritage above corporate gains.
Original Source: https://nenews.in/uncategorized/sikkim-bjp-opposes-centres-approval-for-reconstruction-of-teesta-iii-dam/19225/
Category : Uncategorized,GLOF,Sikkim BJP,Teesta-III dam,Union Environment Ministry
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Publish Date: 2025-01-28 21:02:00
