ACT submits memorandum to Pranab Mukerjee on hydel projects

Gangtok, Jun 17 (UNI) In a memorandum submitted to External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukerjee at Shillong yesterday, Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT), an NGO from Sikkim, said numerous hydel projects coming up in the state will endanger the basic rights and existence of the people.

ACT Chief Coordinator Tseten Lepcha had submitted the memorandum to Mr Mukherjee on the sidelines of a meet on 'Look East' policy organised by MEA at Shillong.

''I had been invited to speak on the meet and gave a brief presentation after which I submitted the memorandum to the Union Minister,'' Mr Lepcha told UNI from Guwahati.

Sikkim is going ahead with numerous hydro electric power projects and other industrial projects in many regions where the primitive tribes live.

''If all the projects are allowed to come in, the infusion of people from outside will be so great that the locals will lose their habitat, culture and livelihood,'' the memorandum states.

ACT further pointed out that Border Roads Organisation is bringing in thousands of labourers from outside the state, which would pose serious threat to this small, environmentally fragile and demographically endangered state.

It had also called for a resolution of the above 'pressing issues' before they become International Human Rights issues.

On the economic perspective of Nathu La trade, ACT said numerous complaints have been received that the actual ground practice does not reflect the advancement of the real purpose of trade.

There is the general complaint that many consumer durables are not allowed to be imported from Nathu La whereas, these items are freely available in Siliguri market, that too at a lower cost. There are many different obstacles and impediments which are causing lot of problem to the traders, the memorandum states.

Mr Lepcha also requested the MEA to immediately tap the tourism potentials of Mt Kailash and Lasha.

UNI