Sikkim environmental group to launch 4-day 'Teesta Rights' march, seeks review of hydropower projects

The Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT), a Sikkim-based environmental organisation, will begin a four-day 'Teesta Rights' foot march on July 24 to mark 19 years of its environmental movement and renew its campaign for the protection of the Teesta River.

Addressing the media ahead of the march, environmental activist Gyatso Lepcha said the initiative is aimed at commemorating the organisation's nearly two-decade-long struggle for river conservation while paying tribute to supporters of the movement.

"This foot march is to celebrate our 19 years of struggle. It is also a tribute to all those who stood by us in this movement and are no longer with us. At the same time, it is a celebration of the spirit of the Teesta River," Lepcha said.

Calling it a historic initiative, he said the march could be the first environmental foot march of its kind organised by a community in Sikkim.

"I don't think there has been any such foot march in the history of our state where a community has organised such a campaign for the environment. It is going to be historic," he added.

The march will commence from Phidang village in Dzongu, an area affected by the Teesta Stage V hydropower project, and conclude after four days at the confluence of the Teesta and Rangeet rivers. Depending on weather conditions, participants are expected to halt at Dikchu, Singtam, Rangpo and Melli during the journey.

Through the campaign, ACT will reiterate its long-standing demand for scrapping the Teesta Stage IV hydropower project and the proposed 280 MW Panan Hydropower Project.

The organisation will also urge the Sikkim government to declare the stretch of the Teesta River between Teesta Stage V and Stage III, including the Rongyong River, as a River Sanctuary.

Another key demand is a fresh Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Social Impact Assessment (SIA) for all hydropower projects in the Teesta basin, including the proposed Teesta Stage VI project.

Lepcha argued that the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) had significantly altered the Teesta river basin, rendering earlier environmental studies outdated.

"The entire Teesta river basin has changed after the GLOF. The earlier environmental studies no longer reflect the present conditions. Fresh assessments are necessary before any construction work continues," he said.

Responding to questions on organising the march during the monsoon season, when several parts of Sikkim are facing flood-related challenges, Lepcha said the timing was deliberate.

"This is the time when people can clearly see the condition of the river and understand its importance. During winter, people tend to forget these issues. We believe this is the right time to raise our concerns," he said.

Following the completion of the march, ACT plans to submit a memorandum to the Sikkim government, and if possible to the Governor or the Chief Minister, seeking stronger conservation measures for the Teesta River and a comprehensive review of hydropower projects in the state.