Date:24/07/2007 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/07/24/stories/2007072451042300.htm

Back Sikkim not to scrap hydel projects

Sarikah Atreya

Gangtok, July 23

The Sikkim Chief Minister, Mr Pawan Chamling, said his Government will not scrap any hydel power project in the State.

Addressing a gathering of landowners from the power project areas of Dzongu, North Sikkim, Mr Chamling said that the hydel projects would be implemented at all cost.

The Chief Minister said the projects would promote development in the State and the people would immensely benefit from them.

“Sikkim will earn Rs 20,000 crore as revenue from all the power projects, which will make the State self-sustainable and usher in an era of economic development." .

Referring to the on-going hunger strike led by Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT) here for the last 32 days, he said: “The majority of the people want hydro-power projects in that area and the people’s wish will not be held hostage by a few disgruntled people.”