Citizen Action Party opposes Environment Ministry’s approval for Teesta-III Dam rebuilding in North Sikkim

The Citizen Action Party (CAP) has criticized the Environment Ministry’s recent approval for the reconstruction of the Teesta-III Dam in Chungthang, North Sikkim. The decision follows the clearance granted by the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) but has raised concerns over transparency and public involvement in the process.

In a press conference held today, CAP spokesperson Mahesh Rai expressed deep dissatisfaction with the approval, questioning the absence of public hearings. Rai accused the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) government of silencing the voices of the local community in Chungthang, where the dam is located. “The decision to approve such a significant project without consulting the people of Chungthang is unjust,” said Rai.

The controversy surrounding the dam’s rebuilding is further fueled by ongoing legal proceedings related to the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) that struck Sikkim in 2023. Opposition leader MK Subba has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Sikkim High Court concerning the disaster, which is still under legal review. Rai questioned the timing of the Environment Ministry’s approval, given the pending court case. “How can the government approve the dam’s reconstruction when a critical legal matter remains unresolved?” he asked.

The CAP has announced plans to file a Right to Information (RTI) request to gain clarity on the approval process. Rai said that the party would continue to challenge the decision through all available legal channels.