Monks petition govt to scrap Lethang hydel project

GANGTOK: The Pemayangtse-based Denjong Jinkyong Tsogchen [DJT], a body representing the Sikkimese Sangha and with the Yangthang Rinpoche as its "Chog-Tso", and the Sangchen Pemayangtse Monastery's monk body have petitioned the state government to scrap the 96 MW Lethan hydel project being developed in Yuksam.

A DJT press release issued today informs that DJT and the Pemayangtse monks were represented at the public hearing held for Lethang hydel project on September 16 at Yuksam and had submitted a memorandum to the Sikkim Pollution Control Board (SPCB) Member Secretary, with copies marked to the DC (West) as well.

The memorandum explains that the Rathong Chu, the stream on which the hydel project is being developed, is the most sacred of all streams in Sikkim.

The monk body wants the Lethang hydel project scrapped in view of the religious sanctity of the location and religious sentiments of the people, the memorandum added.