Question : TEESTA HYDRO POWER PROJECT



(a) whether the Government is aware of the protest of the local people against the Hydro Power Project being constructed on Teesta River in Sikkim in view of its environmental aspect;

(b) if so, whether the Government has conducted a study on the environmental aspect of the project; and

(c) if so, the details thereof?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER ( SHRI SUSHILKUMAR SHINDE )

(a) : Yes, Sir.

(b) & (c) : The Government of Sikkim have informed that the developers of the hydro projects on river Teesta while preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) have got the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) studies conducted and also prepared an Environment Management Plan (EMP) which is a statutory requirement for obtaining environment clearance from the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF). It has also been informed that these aspects have been discussed in detail in the public hearings conducted for the projects.

In addition, MoEF have awarded a study to the Centre for Inter- disciplinary Study of Mountain & Hill Environment (CISMHE), New Delhi titled `Carrying Capacity Study of Teesta Basin in Sikkim`. The study covers details of the land, water and air environment, besides the preparation of environment management guidelines for decision making.