Northeast Desk, 29th November: A high-level delegation led by Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) Co-convenors Tseten Tashi Bhutia and Chewang Ringzing Lepcha submitted a memorandum to the office of Chief Justice of Sikkim, Justice Biswanath Somadder, seeking a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) regarding the recent catastrophic failure of the Chungthang dam (Teesta Stage – III).
The memorandum, presented on November 29, emphasizes the extensive loss of life and property caused by the October 4 disaster, marking one of the largest man-made calamities in Sikkim’s history. The affected regions include Lachen, Chungthang, Dzongu, Toong-Naga, Dikchu, Singtam, and Rangpo, with Chungthang being the most devastated, predominantly inhabited by the Sikkimese Bhutia-Lepcha community.
SIBLAC, representing the people of Sikkim, raises concerns about the poor quality of the dam and the absence of a prior warning system. The committee is urging a thorough investigation into the construction of the Sikkim Teesta Urja Hydle Project and the dam’s failure due to a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF).
Critical questions in the memorandum include responsibility for the disaster, delays in opening the dam gates, the inability of the 1200 MW Teesta Stage III dam to withstand the flood, and the slow alert system for downstream residents.
SIBLAC pleads for the initiation of a PIL to ensure a comprehensive investigation into the incident and justice for the victims. The committee expresses gratitude for any steps taken by the Court to address this matter. Attached documents include resolutions, attendance sheets, letters to UNESCO, a journal on GLOF hazards, and recent reports on the Teesta Dam breach.
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