Sikkim fined NHPC Rs 75 lakh for violation of Forest laws and unauthorized dumping

Gangtok, Mar 1 (PTI) In a move which should caution power developers to avoid illegal dumping of waste like excavated debris, the Department of Forests, Environment and Wildlife in Sikkim has fined NHPC Rs 75 lakh for violation of Forest laws and unauthorized dumping of muck at Elaichi Khola and the area downstream of Teesta Stage V in East district. Keeping in view the fragile environment and vulnerability of flora and fauna in the area surrounding Teesta Stage-V, the Forest Department had directed NHPC to pay a fine of a few crores for rehabilitation purposes which was later reduced to approximately Rs 75 lakh in an out-of-court settlement. PCCF cum Additional Chief Secretary, M Singh, told PTI that the Range Officer under whose jurisdiction the affected area falls had submitted a complaint regarding the illegal dumping in these specific spots late last year. The damage to these areas was so drastic that the Forest Department had to take the matter to court for a fair decision. “Actually, the damage to these areas was extensive initially when we surveyed the area for which we had fined the power developer a huge sum, but it so happened that the illegal and unauthorized dumping in these areas had been done quite some time back and with the change in seasons most of the muck and debris had been cleared away by rain and the Teesta, because of which the fine component was brought down, the PCCF said.