Sikkim’s Opposition Outraged: EAC Reportedly Endorses Controversial Teesta-III Hydel Project Reconstruction – Shocking Sikkim Breaking News
Opposition parties in Sikkim have voiced strong disapproval over the Environment Ministry’s recent conditional approval for reconstructing the Teesta-III Hydel Project, following its destruction by a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in October 2023. The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) under the Union Environment Ministry has sanctioned this decision, citing modernization efforts, with certain conditions requiring approval from relevant authorities like the Central Electricity Authority and Central Water Commission. Despite the reconstruction plans, including replacing the original dam with a taller concrete gravity dam and tripling its spillway capacity to handle future floods, the decision was met with criticism. Opposition, including BJP-Sikkim and the Citizen Action Party-Sikkim, labeled the approval as “reckless” and called for an immediate withdrawal, a fresh environmental assessment, and a new public hearing, emphasizing the safety and environmental concerns of the region. They argue that decisions should prioritize rehabilitation and compensation, suggesting that vested interests have propelled the rushed approval without adequate public consultation. The reliance on a 2006 public hearing is criticized for being outdated, ignoring current risks and challenges. Meanwhile, the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha has not issued an official statement on the matter. Concerns about constructing large-scale infrastructure in a disaster-prone zone highlight the ongoing debate over balancing development with environmental integrity and public safety in Sikkim.
Original Source: https://www.thesikkimchronicle.com/sikkims-opposition-expresses-disapproval-as-eac-reportedly-greenlights-reconstruction-of-teesta-iii-hydel-project/
Category : Environment,Politics,SC Stories,Sikkim,Social Issues,Society,Gangtok,News from Sikkim,Sikkim News
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Publish Date: 2025-01-29 18:44:00
