The catastrophic Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF)
in October 2023 has ignited serious concerns about the feasibility of
rebuilding dams in Sikkim, especially the Teesta Stage III project. As glacial
lakes near critical overflow levels, the risks to residents along the Teesta
River demand a rethink of strategies to boost non-tax revenue without
endangering lives.
The Lhonak Lake outburst tragically claimed over
100 lives and caused widespread destruction. Roads, bridges, homes,
agricultural land, livestock, and vehicles were lost with damages totalling in
the thousands of crores. Despite these emotional and economic scars, the
government has decided to move ahead with reconstruction after securing
approval from the Union Environment Ministry Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC).
This decision raises significant ethical questions about risk assessment and
disaster preparedness in such a vulnerable region.
Scientific
Research on Glacial Lakes and Their Threats
Dr.Sattar from IIT Bhubaneswar, in his research on
the October 2023 flood, highlights the dangers posed by South Lhonak Lake,
which sits at 5,200 meters in the Upper Teesta basin. Rapidly expanding, it
represents a serious threat to downstream areas due to potential outbursts. The
October 2023 flood, triggered by the collapse of a lateral moraine, released
half of the lake water and caused 45 secondary landslides, which worsened the
vulnerability of downstream towns like Singtam, IBM, Rangpo, Teesta Bazaar, and
GeliKhola.
The study by Dr.Sattar notes that the South Lhonak
Lake has increased drastically in size over the years, from 0.15 km² in the
1960s to 1.68 km² by 2023. Following the GLOF, the South Lhonak Lake has
witnessed increased mass movements, making future outbursts even more likely.
The government’s plan to rebuild the Chungthang dam, despite these risks,
raises serious concerns about its commitment to protecting lives.
Growing
Opposition to the Dam Reconstruction
Despite the lack of dissent in the 2024 state
elections, voices of concern continue to emerge from political parties, civil
society groups, NGOs, and independent journalists. The BJP has publicly
criticized the EAC’s approval of Teesta Stage III reconstruction. The Indian
National Congress called it a “thoughtless clearance.” The Sikkim Democratic
Front (SDF), which originally oversaw the dam construction, also opposes the
rebuild in light of the October flood devastation.
The Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT), an
organization of indigenous Sikkimese people, remains especially vocal. They
recall their 915-day hunger strike, which was also participated by SKM leaders
when the party was in opposition, against dam construction and argue that the
government’s plan to raise the dam height doubles the risk of submerging the
region in the event of another GLOF. ACT also criticizes the government for
bypassing a fresh public hearing process and overlooking crucial public input
in the decision-making process. They also point out that the Ministry of
Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEF) has violated its own directive,
“No hydro projects in Sikkim until the carrying capacity study is fully
completed.”
Furthermore, in an insightful article published on
January 31, 2025, UBPrem, a senior journalist from Mint, shed light on a
troubling reality: the dam design was created without completing essential
studies mandated by the Central Water Commission (CWC), including a revised
assessment of the Probable Maximum Flood (PMF). He also mentions that his calls
and questions to the Chief Minister of Sikkim and the Power Minister on such an
important issue have gone unanswered.
Economic
Implications of Teesta Stage-III
Teesta Stage III, originally set to be commissioned
in 2012 with an estimated cost of Rs. 5,700 crores, has faced multiple delays
and cost overruns, rising to Rs. 14,000 crores. The Government of Sikkim
increased its stake in this big-budget project from 26 percent to 51 percent,
and then to 60.08 percent. Sikkim also signed an implementation agreement that
allows the government to receive royalties from the total power generated.
In 2024, the Competition Commission of India
approved the sale of the Sikkim government’s 60.08% stake to Greenko Energies,
effectively transferring full control of the project. This raises questions
about the future of the state’s ability to rely on electricity revenue and the
long-term beneficiaries of this contentious venture.
A Fragile
Future
Climate change is a major global challenge today.
Dams contribute to this problem by creating breeding grounds for
methane-emitting microorganisms. They also break up rivers and disrupt their
natural flow, which can harm aquatic life, especially migratory species. Dams
interfere with the natural cycles in river ecosystems, affecting their overall
health and function. Considering all the environmental consequences of dams,
the perceived economic benefits may not be justified.
As Sikkim moves forward with its ambitious infrastructure projects, it must carefully balance economic development with environmental and social risks. The question remains: Can the reconstruction of the Teesta Stage III dam be justified in such a disaster-prone area? Or is it a reckless risk that could repeat the tragic events of October 2023?
(Views are personal. Email: cbchhetri.ewa@gmail.com)
