A recently formed organization named 'Affected Citizens
of Teesta' has started a movement on Sunday against the Third and
Forth Stages of Teesta hydel Project.
The 17-member body is protesting against
these stages, which will be located between Dzongu-Lachen Mangshila
and Lepcha Reserve at Dzongu respectively both in Sikkim.
The head of the organization Dawa Lepcha said that these projects
are handed over to the Karnataka Power Corporation and National
Power Corporation and they will oppose these projects strongly.
This was decided in one of the meetings of the organization held
in the Passingdang Sangkhalang in Dzongu.
Dzongu, which is small constituency in North Sikkim, is reserved
for the Lepcha community. Members of other casts are not allowed
to acquire land there.
Mr. Lepcha explained that they are trying to build up awareness
among locals about the harmful effect of the project on the environment.
He also added that the Government should think about the Lepchas
before approving the project. The local residents also fear that
they will loose their homes and livelihood if the project comes
into existence.