Expert committee to go into allotment process of Teesta Stage III, Vigilance to look for criminal angles for CBI investigation

IPR, GANGTOK, 19 OCTOBER 2023 : The Sikkim Cabinet has approved the formation of a high level committee to go into the details of the Teesta Stage III Dam breach. The Cabinet took the decision at its meeting on Tuesday, but its details were made available on Thursday. 

The decision has been taken in view of “the gravity of the situation and to ensure accountability.” 

The committee, comprising technical, financial and relevant subject committee experts would examine the allotment process of Teesta Stage III 1200 MW project, “keeping in view the credibility, genuineness, technical knowhow and financial solvency of the Consortium” and also examine the change in Detailed Project Report before the allotment of the project vis-à-vis technical and financial aspects. 

The committee would also go into the purchase of shares by the Sikkim Government and SPICL and how the value of the shares was ascertained, the award of contract and subcontract by Sikkim Urja, formerly Teesta Urja, sale of equity shares by Athena Projects to Asian Genco and other aspects of award of the project and its execution. 

The Cabinet also directed Sikkim Vigilance Police to conduct a comprehensive inquiry to find out whether there was any criminal angle in the whole process of construction of the project and submit a report for registration of the case and transfer to CBI.