State and GTA to get 12% of power generated from Teesta HPP

KNE;' Kalimpong, December 18: The state and the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) will be getting 12% from the power generated from the River Teesta under the National Hydro Power Project (HPP), claimed the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) Spokesperson cum Kalimpong MLA, Dr Harka Bahadur Chettri. However, the locals are concerned about threat to the existence of the Highway attached areas due to the Teesta HPP.

 In one hand it is believed that the whole country will benefit from the HPP while in the other it will prove to be a loss for the locals in many ways. Nevertheless, the Communist Party of Revolutionary Marxist (CPRM) has already cautioned of an agitation against the loss. The Kalimpong Krishak Kalyan Sangathan (KKKS) has also demanded that 12% of the power produced should be given to the GTA areas instead of the state. 

“The 12% electricity will be equally distributed between the GTA areas and the state”, clarified Dr Chettri in behalf of the Morcha who have kept mum over the matter. As per the rules of the World Dam Organization the 12% electricity is for the state government. However, GTA being a total different administrative arrangement, it should also get the benefits, he said and added that if the GTA gets even 6% of the energy that it will be a great achievement. “If we receive atleast 6% then we can add on to it and after its free use”, he said. 

When asked about the inconvenience caused to the Highway residents because of the HPP, Dr Chettri said that they are working towards solving the matter. “I along with the Kalimpong Sub Divisional Officer have talked with the NHPC regarding the matter. The NHPC has assured to set up a hospital, school and other facilities”, notified the GJM Spokesperson. He also added that the NHPC is striving towards constructing an alternative National Highway for Kalimpong and Sikkim. 

Apart from these the NHPC has also thought of beautification of few schools and Kalimpong town. Dr Chettri also demanded for additional provisions for the affected families along with the regular compensation. Further, speaking on the issue of closing down rafting, the MLA said that if such situation occurs then they will be taking concrete steps. “What happened during the Gorkha National Liberation Front’s (GNLF) regime here, it’s none of our business. As far as our party is concerned we will work for the betterment of the public. One of the examples is Takdah Engineering College. Also in the future the Morcha will work for the good of the layman”, advocated Dr Chettri.