'Teesta deserves protection, not more dams': ACT launches march across Sikkim after NHPC tragedy

Environmental activists and local residents under the banner of Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT) have launched a multi-day march across Sikkim, calling for greater protection of the Teesta River, a review of large hydropower projects and stronger participation of local communities in decisions affecting the river.

The campaign, led by ACT General Secretary and environmental activist Gyatso Lepcha, began during the monsoon season, when the Himalayan state is particularly vulnerable to floods, landslides and other river-related disasters.

Carrying banners bearing slogans such as "Save Teesta", "Every tunnel leaves a wound" and "Our rivers, our responsibility", participants walked through villages, interacting with residents and highlighting environmental concerns associated with hydropower development in the Teesta basin.

Lepcha said the march was a continuation of ACT's long-standing campaign to protect the Teesta River and the rights of communities living along its banks.

"ACT was always in action. This monsoon is the right time for us to meet the Teesta River community, both upstream and downstream. We have already covered around 11 kilometres, and it is encouraging to see local communities welcoming us and joining the campaign," he said.

According to organisers, the march will continue over the next few days through Makha, Singtam, Rangpo and Melli, where meetings will be held with villagers to discuss river conservation, disaster preparedness and sustainable development.

Referring to the recent accident at the NHPC Teesta Stage VI hydropower project, in which 25 people lost their lives, Lepcha termed the incident a "gross violation of human rights" and demanded accountability from all agencies involved, including contractors.

"We believe all environmental clearances granted for the Stage VI project should be reviewed from the beginning. Environmental Impact Assessment, Social Impact Assessment and the carrying capacity of the Teesta River should all be studied again before any further work is considered," he said.

The activist also criticised the pace of post-disaster reconstruction following the 2023 Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF), alleging that while hydropower infrastructure has received priority, roads and other public facilities used by local communities remain neglected.

"After the GLOF, what we mostly see being restored are the dams. Roads and public infrastructure used by ordinary people are still in poor condition. That reflects the priorities of both the state and central governments. People's needs should come first," Lepcha said.

ACT has opposed several hydropower projects in the Teesta basin for nearly two decades, arguing that large dams and extensive tunnelling in the ecologically fragile Himalayan region increase environmental risks while adversely affecting the livelihoods, culture and rights of indigenous communities.