Sikkim Flash Floods: Gangtok BJP MLA Y T Lepcha files FIR against former CM Pawan Chamling

Ahead of the Sikkim Assembly elections early next year, BJP MLA from Gangtok, Y T Lepcha has filed FIR against former CM Pawan Chamling.

The Gangtok MLA has levelled allegations of corruption related to the Teesta Urja Project against Sikkim’s longest serving CM, Chamling.

Lepcha claims that Chamling’s actions have resulted in damage to public property and loss of life in the recent flood near the Teesta River, which he believes was caused by corruption during the dam’s construction.

Speaking to Northeast Live, YT Lepcha pointed to the recent devastation in the Singtam Bazar area and surrounding regions near the Teesta River, attributing the disaster to the former Chief Minister’s unchecked ambition.
Lepcha stated, “The prime cause of all these devastation is traceable and we can pin-point it upon the greed of the ex-CM Pawan Kumar Chamling, who worked against the public opinion ignoring the correct forecasting of the religious Lamas.”

He further mentioned that religious Lamas, the general public, and Ren Dawa Lepcha of Dzongu had undertaken a relay hunger strike for over 900 days to protest against the Teesta Urja Project. Lepcha himself had participated in a hunger strike in support of their cause.

“The ex-CM was adamant to start the Teesta Urja Project. We were forced to go under the iron bar with this and that accusation,” Lepcha continued.
In the FIR, Lepcha alleged that Chamling’s greed and financial interests were at the core of the ongoing devastation. Lepcha has requested that the matter be thoroughly investigated in the public interest.

The Teesta Urja Project, which is the second-largest run-of-the-river hydropower project in the country, suffered significant damage due to a flood caused by the breach in Lhonak Lake, leading to flash floods.

Lepcha further pointed out, “The SKM government did not properly survey the Teesta Dam, which has affected many people today. We protested earlier, warning that it would have future repercussions, but our voices went unheard. We have filed an FIR, and he should be subject to legal scrutiny. I have submitted this FIR to the Law Minister to ensure a thorough investigation is carried out.”

Also Read : Sikkim CM PS Tamang blames fmr CM Pawan Chamling for Chungthang dam collapse, assures action against guilty