Sikkim: Citizen Action Party applauds environment ministry’s concerns over Teesta-III Dam redesign

The Citizen Action Party - Sikkim (CAP-Sikkim) has welcomed the Union Ministry of Environment’s Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) for its critical stance on the proposed redesign of the Teesta-III Chungthang Dam. The dam, which suffered catastrophic damage during the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in October 2023, has been a focal point of safety and environmental debates in the state.

The EAC recently deferred approval for the dam’s redesign, citing serious concerns about its structural integrity and resilience to future natural disasters, including potential GLOF events. CAP-Sikkim commended the EAC’s transparent and detailed assessment, emphasizing the importance of rigorous site evaluations, expert consultations, and stringent safety protocols before proceeding with any reconstruction efforts.

CAP-Sikkim President Jorbu Tshering Lepcha reiterated the party’s commitment to safeguarding Sikkim’s fragile ecosystem and the well-being of its communities. “We have consistently opposed large-scale hydropower projects that endanger both the environment and local livelihoods,” he said. The party previously organized a week-long protest in Gangtok, demanding comprehensive reviews of such projects.

The October 2023 GLOF disaster, which led to significant loss of life and property, exposed vulnerabilities in the state’s hydropower infrastructure. The breach of the Teesta-III Dam during the floods underscored the urgent need for sustainable and safety-focused approaches to energy development.

CAP-Sikkim criticized the state government’s handling of the aftermath, particularly the decision to sell a majority stake in Sikkim Urja Limited to Greenko Pvt. Limited without stakeholder consultation. The party also highlighted Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang’s acknowledgment of substandard construction at the Chungthang Dam, calling out the lack of a fact-finding committee to investigate the issue.

The party expressed support for the National GLOF Risk Mitigation Programme but urged policymakers to adopt a broader, community-centric approach to development. CAP-Sikkim stressed that the proposed restoration cost of ₹4,189.51 crore should not overshadow the long-term social and environmental consequences.

As part of its ongoing advocacy, CAP-Sikkim vowed to monitor developments around the Teesta-III project and other hydropower initiatives, ensuring that Sikkim’s future prioritizes safety, sustainability, and the interests of its people.

“The construction of new dams in North Sikkim must be reconsidered in light of these risks,” said Lepcha. “We stand united in protecting Sikkim’s environment and the rights of its communities.”