Amid this pandemic, when everyone is just so insecure even stepping out from their homes. Government is forcing the educated minds, civil societies, environmental organizations, activist to step-up in the street.
And looks like the government is really daring to play with us, less than 48 hours before government notification pop-up in the public domain [social media] and within few minutes of appearing, it was all over.
In the particular notifications, it mentions that “in the exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1), (2) and (3) of section 7 of the rights to fair compensation and transparency in land acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlements Act, 2013 [Act 30 of 2013], read with section 9 and 10 RFCTLARR[Sikkim] rules, 2015, the state government has constituted an Expert Group for evaluation of the Social Impact Assessment Report, in respect of the acquisition of land by NHPC for Teesta stage iv [520mw], Hydro Electricity Project, North Sikkim”. copy of which is pasted below;
I don’t know what kind of Social Impact Assessment report the government is talking about when they haven’t even got the forest clearance rights.
More, over this matter is under sub-jurisdiction because there’s a writ petition in the Hon’ble High Court this is totally disrespectful towards judiciary from the side of the legislature. They have intervened in the middle of the case.
The so-called Expert Committee should take a bold step and opt themselves out from the group, this could be the biggest lesson for the government and indeed, one of the members constituted in the committee has opted to out herself, Professor Babyla Topden.
Like Deputy Governor of Reserve Bank of India, Viral Acharaya after resigning from his post quoted and I quote, “We should not interpret exits as a problem. In my view, we should interpret exits as a form of voice, as a form of dissent that the system requires to have the right public debates and get to the right path”.
Professor Topden has shown her colleague’s way and stood by nature, mountains, environment and biodiversity. This I believe is the biggest solidarity offered ever to the affected citizens of valleys.
Who lied, cm or the nhpc?
Way back in March 2020 when our Hon’ble went to Delhi for his official tour he met the chairman of NHPC. In a press release by NHPC, it was claimed that in their meeting they discussed the projects pertaining to Sikkim even about Teesta stage IV [520mw], North Sikkim.
“Mr Golay on 6 March and during the meeting, various issues concerning hydroelectric projects in Sikkim were discussed and the Chief Minister has assured that all obstacles will be removed and full support will be extended to the hydel projects”.
There were many outrages by the public CM meeting NHPC’s chairman. After coming back, while addressing international women’s day on 8th of March at Manan Bhawan he strongly refuted against the claim made by NHPC.
But at least for now, seeing the current shift we can say claims made by NHPC was not totally at all wrong.
So the question becomes, who lied? Was it the company or our Hon’ble CM?
Land revenue department and the ministerial in charge!
The man whose under Land Revenue Department comes is supposedly very against the corporate and is supporter of the pro-river movement.
He is the senior-most and pillar of the present government, he has been constantly speaking over the dam issue ever since when he was in the opposition.
The man known for his principle, shouldn’t have taken this kind of draconian. So what is really happening? Is he being made the scapegoat? Or is it like everyone changes once they come to power?
He should make this clear in the public, what’s happening inside.
In the expert, the group constituted, along with the government officials “two representatives’ panchayats from Namok Swayam and Tingchim Chaday GPU” has also been called up to be part of the committee.
This shows and gives you the very clear intention of the government that they don’t want any representatives from the place which is going to get affected most and plus they don’t want any obstruction against the coming up of Teesta stage iv [520 mw].
New additional district collector!
Few very interesting have been taking place from a few days ago before coming up of this notification.
Whenever a new party comes to the power, the foremost thing they do is shuffle administrative section, here and there.
While in this process newly appointed Additional District Collector of North Sikkim was also among the victims who came under this vicious circle of shuffling. He was removed and transferred from the Education Department to as OSD to Police Headquarter.
But now he’s back again in the North Sikkim as Additional District Collector [Disaster Management]. I thought when he was brought back; it was due to recent flash flood that took place in North Sikkim because he knows the place and topography well.
After this notification we know now why was he brought back Additional District Collector [Disaster Management]. During the regime of the previous government, Sikkim Democratic Front, he was believed to have played a crucial role in bringing up dams inside the Dzongu.
In the sense, he’s quite an influencer in and around the place.
Do you think people are that naïve like before to come into such person words? If you think so please correct yourself, the time has changed and people have changed too.
Why no Panchayat or any organizations is included in the committee from where people are going to get affected most by this dam?
This is the most shocking part of this ‘Expert Group Committee’, which above mentioned notification has come out with.
Teesta Stage IV falls under the reserved area Dzongu but the government has decided not to include any of the panchayats from the area, leave behind the organizations.
In the expert, the group constituted, along with the government officials “two representatives’ panchayats from Namok Swayam and Tingchim Chaday GPU” has also been called up to be part of the committee.
This shows the very clear intention of the government that they don’t want any representatives from the place which is going to get affected most and plus they don’t want any obstruction against the coming up of Teesta stage IV [520 mw].
Is skm playing with the sentiments of Sikkimese people?
Ever since Sikkim Krantikari Morcha party came into existence they have been talking about the dams issues.
Even in their election manifesto [2014 and 2019], they have taken out countering the Sikkim Democratic Front to stop building once they come to power.
Even events they [SKM] start off with “Jahan Bhagchya Teesta Rangget” and suddenly after coming to the power they seem to be making a u-turn.
SKM has played with the sentiments of the people of Sikkim, just to come to power nothing more than that and this will hit them hard in 2024 because people will think twice before bringing you all back.
They are all back to kill the TEESTA and this clearly shows they are no different than SDF.
can any government do away with the dam issue like before?
I can tell you, you are in a dream if you still think people are dumb like hell as before. Notification matter has already reached to the international community and people in our state will create a ruckus if you dare to go against people’s will.
Don’t forget the current situations in Dzongu, Dikchu, Singtam, Adarsh Goan and still, you think you will just get away???
International organizations like “Int’l Indigenous Peoples Movement for Self Determination & Liberation”, “South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People” are already in touch with pro-river organizations in Sikkim.
We’ll not let this issue go away until you don’t back down!
“ If you correct a stupid man he will hate you,
If you correct a wise man he will appreciate you”
RDF 
You’ve hit the bulls eye.
No more Dams in North sikkim.
The negative side effects are there for everyone to see.
As for the sheep in wolves clothing amongst ourselves, in the villages , offices and in an around we should start boycotting them from our society.
Their identity is the social stand then comes their post. If they are using their post to betray the place and its people…the society and the people should boycott them first that’s when their downfall will start.
Way to go! If at all it makes a difference..always willing to be a part of this movement.
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