Sikkim decides to scrap four hydel projects on Tributaries of Teesta, North Sikkim

Sikkim government decided to scrap four hydel projects on tributaries of the Teesta in North Sikkim. The hydel projects scrapped were the 99-MW Bop hydro-electric project (HEP), 99-MW Bhimkyong HEP and the 99-MW Lachung HEP on the Lachung Chu and the 280-MW Teesta Stage-I HEP at Lachen.

The decision was endorsed by the cabinet at its 10 May 2012 sitting, comprising of the Secretary of Power and Energy Department A K Giri.

The four projects were opposed by the people of Lachen and Lachung post the September 18 2011 earthquake. The project developers have so far not been able to prepare the DPRs (Detail Project Report) for any of the projects due to the opposition of the people.

Sikkim has been in denial since the beginning of 2012 and opposing the hydel project, the drive however only caught pace post the Setember 18 2011 earth quake.