Associations to fight against hydel projects

Gangtok, July 6 (UNI) An assortment of associations in the state came together today to form an umbrella body called Sikkimese Associations For Environment (SAFE) with an objective to protest against the degradation of natural environment by the 'ill conceived' hydro projects proposed throughout the state.

Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee, Concerned Lepchas of Sikkim, Citizens for Democracy, Concerned Citizens of Sikkim who are active in their respective fields have formed SAFE and more such associations and other NGOs are expected to come under the banner of SAFE, said Chukie Tobden, an environmental activist and the spokesperson for SAFE.

SAFE aims to campaign for safe environment besides campaigning for protection of old laws of Sikkim and other social causes. It will be launching an immediate public sensitisation programme to garner public support for the ongoing two day long indefinite relay hunger strike of Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT) here at Gangtok.

ACT has been sitting on a hunger strike since June 20 protesting against the implementation of mega power projects in Dzongu, North Sikkim.

SAFE said that it will be meeting the Governor seeking his intervention as per Article 371 F.

UNI