The Citizen Action Party – Sikkim (CAP-Sikkim) has praised the Union Ministry of Environment’s Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) for its cautious approach towards the redesign of the Teesta-III Chungthang Dam. The dam, which suffered significant damage during the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in October 2023, has raised concerns over its structural integrity and environmental risks. The EAC recently deferred approval for the proposed redesign, citing serious concerns about the dam’s resilience to future natural disasters, including potential GLOF events. CAP-Sikkim applauded the committee’s thorough evaluation, calling for more stringent safety measures, expert consultations, and comprehensive site assessments before moving forward with reconstruction plans.
Jorbu Tshering Lepcha, President of CAP-Sikkim, reiterated the party’s stance on safeguarding Sikkim’s fragile ecosystem and local communities. “We have consistently opposed large-scale hydropower projects that pose risks to the environment and livelihoods,” he said. The party had previously organized a week-long protest in Gangtok, demanding more rigorous reviews of such projects. The GLOF disaster in October 2023, which resulted in substantial loss of life and property, highlighted the vulnerabilities in Sikkim’s hydropower infrastructure. The breach of the Teesta-III Dam underscored the need for a sustainable and safety-first approach to energy development in the region.
CAP-Sikkim also criticized the state government’s handling of the aftermath, particularly the sale of a majority stake in Sikkim Urja Limited to Greenko Pvt. Limited without consulting stakeholders. They further pointed out Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang’s acknowledgment of substandard construction at the Chungthang Dam, questioning the lack of a proper investigation into the issue. The party expressed support for the National GLOF Risk Mitigation Programme but called for a broader, community-focused approach to development. They urged that the proposed restoration cost of ₹4,189.51 crore should not overshadow the long-term social and environmental consequences of such projects.In a statement, Lepcha said, “The construction of new dams in North Sikkim must be reconsidered in light of these risks. We stand united in protecting Sikkim’s environment and the rights of its communities.” CAP-Sikkim vowed to continue monitoring developments around the Teesta-III project and other hydropower initiatives to ensure the state’s future prioritizes safety, sustainability, and the welfare of its people.