Sikkim: SIBLAC seeks PIL on Teesta Stage III dam failure

SIBLAC appealed to the Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court, urging the initiation of Suo-Moto action

Reported by Prakash Adhikari

In a significant development, a delegation from the Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC), led by Tseten Tashi Bhutia and Chewang Ringzing Lepcha, presented a memorandum to the Chief Justice of Sikkim High Court, Biswanath Somadder, seeking a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the aftermath of the Chungthang Teesta Stage III dam devastation that occurred on October 3, 2023.

SIBLAC urged the Chief Justice to initiate suo-moto action and facilitate a comprehensive CBI investigation into the construction of the Sikkim Teesta Urja Hydel Project and the subsequent dam failure resulting in the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GOLF).

Key concerns and requests put forth by SIBLAC include:
• Identification of those accountable for the disaster.
• Inquiry into the delayed opening of the Teesta Stage III Dam gates.
• Examination of the factors leading to the inability of the 1200 MW Teesta Stage III Dam in Chungthang, the largest dam in Sikkim, to withstand the flood.
• Scrutiny of the time taken to alert downstream communities.
• Determination of accountability in the aftermath of the catastrophe.

The committee emphasizes these questions as important in uncovering the truth behind the dam’s failure and ensuring justice for the affected people.

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