Sikkim monks want hydel project scrapped... In 1997, CM Pawan Chamling had scrapped the 30-MW hydropower project

SNS, Gangtok, 15 June 2014: Monks and a section of people who had petitioned against the Tashiding Hydel Project have demanded the state government interfere in the matter and scrap the 97 Mega Watt Tashiding Hydel Project planned over the Rathong Chu river that is considered sacred by the Buddhists.

Referring the matter to the Ministry of Forest and Environment, the High Court of Sikkim had earlier left the door open for the state government “to take such a decision as may be advised, unhindered by the proceedings before the ministry, being held by virtue of this order.”

A writ petition challenging the project was first filed in the Supreme Court in May 2012, which was later directed to the High Court of Sikkim, citing involvement of local issues in the case.

“We demand the state government to interfere in the matter and scrap the project by applying the philosophy used in 1997,” Tseten Tashi, the convenor of the Sikkimese Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC), said, addressing a gathering of monks representing different monasteries of the state during Tashi Gah Jom, an auspicious assembly of the monks.

In 1997, Chief Minister Pawan Chamling had scrapped the 30-MW hydropower project on Rathong Chu River, saying that Buddhist heritage is associated with it and that he did not want to hurt the sentiments of the Sikkimese. The monks and the petitioners have demanded the state government issue an order at the earliest to scrap the project by respecting the sentiments of the Buddhist community and the religious values and sacredness associated with the river Rathong Chu.

“We also hope that the environment ministry reads the HC order meticulously and comes to a conclusion, while we are positive about the decision that will come up,” SIBLAC convenor said.

However, if the state government delays the decision on the issue, the monks said they will approach the department concerned at the Centre and the Prime Minister.