SNS demands State to reveal its stand on Teesta-III dam approval

GANGTOK,: The Sikkimey Nagarik Samaj (SNS) has expressed its serious concerns over the environmental approval granted to build a new dam for the 1,200 Mw Teesta-III hydel power project in Chungthang, North Sikkim.

The concerns were recorded during an emergency SNS meeting held on Monday here to discuss the recent clearance granted by the Environmental Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the Environment ministry for the Teesta-III project.

A press release informs that the meeting was chaired by SNS State coordinator Sonam Gyatso Sherpa and attended by concerned members.

During the deliberations, the SNS members expressed serious concerns over the clearance being granted without updated scientific data, including the latest Probable Maximum Flood (PMF) studies. It was noted that proceeding with this project in the absence of such critical assessments could pose severe risks to the fragile ecology of Sikkim and increase the likelihood of future disasters.

Given the devastating impact of past hydropower projects, such unchecked approvals are a matter of grave concern, said the SNS.

The SNS demanded a clear stand from the State government regarding this approval, especially as the ruling SKM is set to celebrate its foundation day on February 4. The SNS urged the Chief Minister and the party leadership to take a public position on this matter in the interest of Sikkim’s environmental security.

At the meeting, the SNS also urged the MLAs to raise and discuss this issue in depth during the upcoming Sikkim Legislative Assembly session, scheduled to begin on February 5.

SNS emphasized that the elected representatives must fulfil their duty to safeguard the State’s natural resources and prevent potential ecological disasters.

“If the State government and the ruling party fail to take a decisive stand in favour of Sikkim’s environmental safety, Sikkimey Nagarik Samaj will chart out its next course of action, including mass mobilization, legal interventions, and democratic protests to ensure accountability and justice for the people of Sikkim,” said SNS State coordinator Sonam Gyatso Sherpa.