NGT Seeks Report On Chungthang Dam Breach In Sikkim

The National Green Tribunal has requested a report from the relevant authorities within six weeks regarding the breach of the Chungthang dam in Sikkim earlier this month.

On October 4, a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) occurred in parts of Lhonak Lake, causing a rapid increase in water levels with high downstream velocities in the Teesta River Basin during the early hours of the day. This incident resulted in the breach of the Chungthang dam, a critical component of the 1,200-megawatt (MW) Teesta Stage III Hydro Electric Project, which happens to be the largest hydropower project in the state.

A bench consisting of NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member A Senthil Vel revealed that the tribunal had taken suo motu cognisance of the incident based on a media report. In a recent order, the bench observed that the report had highlighted potential risks associated with certain large-scale infrastructure projects that necessitate robust disaster preparedness.

The tribunal stated, "Let the respondents file their report within six weeks before the Eastern Zone Bench, Kolkata." The respondents include the state of Sikkim, represented by its Chief Secretary, the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), represented by its Chairman and Managing Director, and the Sikkim Urja Limited.

Additionally, the tribunal transferred the matter to the Eastern Zone Bench, Kolkata, for "appropriate further proceedings."

During the proceedings, the Advocate General representing the State of Sikkim requested time to provide details regarding the cause of the incident, remedial measures, the number of casualties, and the state's compensation scheme for the deceased.

The flash flood that struck the Himalayan state on October 4 resulted in at least 78 casualties in Sikkim and northern West Bengal, with many individuals still reported as missing.