POWER PLAY IN POWER SECTOR:

STORY OF 1200 M.W. TEESTA HYDEL POWER PROJECT(STAGE III), NORTH SIKKIM

FOREWORD

 I begin with the premise that this presentation is based on memory. No papers of the Teesta project are available with me at present. Therefore, the presentation has its own merits and demerits. For ‘making’ the presentation, I have received requisite inspiration from Prof. M.N. Srinivas, the great Indian Sociologist, who authored the widely acclaimed book ‘Remembered Village’. It was purely based on memory, as the entire manuscript of the book was lost in a fire in a London Hotel. The book, incidentally, dedicated to the vandals, who caused the fire, went on to become one of the best Monographs of the Anthropological literature.

Needless to say, I cherish no aspiration of Srinivasan kind. I have to meet and rightly so, an essential requirement of the APPPA (July, 1999-April,2000)

(I)                INTRODUCTION:

The mountainous state of Sikkim is extremely rich in forest and water resources, apart from being one of the most exotic tourist destinations. As per the figures available in 1991, the total production of power in the state was barely 30 M.W. from its various micro- hydel plants which could not meet fully the total demand. The states, therefore, had to depend on some supplies from the Chukha Hydel Project in Bhutan, through the Eastern Grid. The state Government has been serious about utilising the hydel power potential in a gradual fashion. It is estimated that the total potential of the state will come to more than 10,000 M.W.

(II) TEESTA HYDEL POWER PROJECT:

       Hydrological and other related studies of 1200 M.W. Teesta Project were carried out by the Central Water Commission over a period of ten years. By the year 1991, after all studies were completed, the National Hydel Power Corporation (NHPC) was to execute the project in the North Sikkim District. The whole project was going to be underground. Six numbers of turbines, each having a capacity of 200 M.W. were to be located inside a 10 K.M. long tunnel between Chungthang (Sub- division H.Q.) and Namprikdang (below the District H.Q.).Water for rotating the turbines was to be taken from the mighty, high velocity Teesta River. A dam of  the height of 35 to 40 feet was to be constructed over the river near Chungthang. Water was to be taken through a Diversion Canal into the tunnel. The tunnel was to be located underneath a hard rock area, which had been declared very stable by the Geological Survey of India. The project was kept under ground in order to have no effect on the thick vegetation cover in the area as also not to attract the attention of China, whose border was barely 15 to 20 Kms. away (by crow flight). Also, it was aimed not to disturb the setting of local villages, which were inhabited by the fast dwindling Lepcha tribesmen.

(II)             PROJECT DETAILS:

 The NHPC had set up an office each at Gangtok and Mangan, (state and District H.Q. respectively) well in advance. The plan of the project township, the rehabilitation package for the 12 tribal families to be evicted from the project area, the benefits to be given to the local people , the amount of compensation for the land to be acquired etc. were worked out amicably by the project authorities in consultation with the District Administration. Certain pending matters were sorted out after I joined the District as D.C. in January, 1991. There was no opposition from any quarter in the State Administration as well, as the State was going to get 120 M.W. of power free of cost out the total of 1200 M.W. to be produced. This would have been more than the requirement of the state (60 M.W.) in 2005 (likely year of completion of the project)

(IV) PROTEST BY A POLITICAL PARTY:

                When the stage was fully set to start the work (middle of 1991) the State Congress (I) began instigating the local people. It was alleged that the traditional Lepcha reserve of Dzongu will be lost, a large number of tribals will be deprived of their houses and landed property, very little compensation would be paid for the land to be acquired and above all, there would be adverse impact of the creation of the project township over the innocent tribals, as a number of ‘outsiders’ were likely to work on the construction and subsequent control and running of the project.

(V) SUBMISSION OF REPRESENTATION TO THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA:

            The State unit of Congress (I) managed to submit a representation to the President of India. Since the members of the then ruling party at Centre had given the representation, the matter was taken seriously and certain doubts were expressed about the role of the State Government. The President of India directed the Governor of Sikkim to look into the allegations levelled, visit the project area and submit his assessment on top priority.

(VI) REACTION OF THE RULING PARTY:

          Sikkim Sangram Parishad, the ruling party, as expected, did not like the attitude of the centre. Movements and possible reaction of the Governor was monitored very closely. The Governor, in his own wisdom, asked me to send a “Status Note” on the project in view of the allegations levelled. Surprisingly,  the Secretary of the Land Revenue Department, Govt of Sikkim was not asked to give his reactions. I, therefore, submitted the Status Note to the Governor and marked a copy of the same to the Secretary, Land Revenue Department.

(VII) VISIT OF THE GOVERNOR:

        After going through the Status Note, the Governor visited the District Headquarter as also the project site. He also had detailed with the local people and leaders of the Congress (I) and the ruling party. Separately, he discussed the matter with me both in presence as also absence of the officials of state Power Department and N.H.P.C. After being convinced about the actual ground reality, the Governor sent his report to the President.  

(VIII) TEMPORARY SET BACK-NO LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL:

           Contents of the report of the Governor could not be known. However, the Government of India did not give clearance to the project as the then ruling party of the State suddenly took a decision to get the project executed through a private power company, instead of NHPC. Expected Benefits likely to come forth by way of participation of the private company could not be ‘amicably’ settled. The project as a result, could not see the light of the day.

Politicians of both the shades scored a victory, while the efforts of the government servants proved futile. Innocent people of the state could neither understand the power game nor could they comprehend the benefits of the power project. Nonetheless, they were sandwiched between two centres of power.

(IX) REVIVAL OF THE PROJECT:

       A new regional party came to power in the state in 1994. It scrapped Rathong Chu, a 30 M.W. Hydel Power Project in West District on environmental considerations. The Teesta  Hydel Power Project  was however freshly looked at. After prolonged deliberations and negotiations, it was decided to involve NHPC once again and seek concurrence of Government of India.

(X) PRESENT SCENARIO:

           Government of India has given environmental clearance for executing one of the five stages of the project, which will lead to production of 550 M.W. of electricity. Investment decision on the project by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Infrastructure is expected soon. At the same time, the matter is under active consideration of the State Government as regards executing other phases and stages of the project.

POSTSCRIPT

          








 Never give up hope even if the politicians hold the key. While the politicians may play politics over a limited span of time, most  of the bureaucrats indulge in politics throughout their career and never refrain from blaming the politicians for all the ills present in the system

Terrorism: Emerging Patterns and Tentacles

                   

  With recent attacks in Kuwait, Tunisia and France resulting into brutal and senseless killing of 54 innocent human beings, the curse of terrorism is not exactly back. It has been always there amidst us, in some form or the other ever since Palestine-Israel conflict took birth in the late Sixties of last Century. What has raised its ugly and shameless head is the unfortunate incidence of simultaneous, well co-ordinated strikes by the determined, indoctrinated ‘soldiers’ turned suicide bombers. If one draws a line of comparison with serial Mumbai blasts of 1993, the objective appears same-to scare and terrorise. But the modus operandi has undergone a change. No longer, paid agents are to be looked for and guided. Emotionally charged or brain-washed unemployed  volunteers are now easily available without much persuasion or difficulty to blow themselves up. Probably same is due to rapid advancement in the means of communication also facilitated by the general neglect of school going children in villages and semi- urban locations by the parents.  All are perhaps religiously and meticulously pursuing what they call or consider-JEHAD. Another characteristic feature is –by one direction, three blasts were caused in three different Continents.

2. Maximum casualties vis-à-vis attackers were noticed in a Shiite Mosque in Kuwait’s capital, when a single suicide bomber led to carnage of 25 persons engrossed in the holy act of prayer in a peaceful City State. Maximum deaths-28, however, of innocent persons took place in Tunisia in a mass, reckless shooting at a beach resort full of holiday makers. It was, reportedly, the worst tragedy of this nature in this country. On the contrary, if one looks at the daylight raid on a Gas factory near Lyon in France, fortunately only one person died ,while two were injured. But again what was inhuman or unthinkable was pinning a severed head to the gate. Such a gruesome practice, lately has become very common in the strife-torn Iraq and Syria. ‘Replication’ of same in France or repetition of a terror attack within six months of the last attack concerning the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, raises more questions than providing answers or solutions. Perhaps no civilized set-up or country can resort to a viable and effective safety device when confronted with once unthinkable human bombs or suicide squads.

3.  In all three attacks one factor is common-indiscriminate use of soft target to convey message-Go Away, Get Away, Do’nt come back etc. Whether it is the emergence or the phenomenon of J.S.Bhinderwale in Punjab or the Talibans in Afghanistan or Osana-Bin-Laden spreading his tentacles from the Middle East to Afghanistan or the ‘work’of ISI of Pakistan for over 66 years or now fast emerging ISIS, all could be called and considered ‘the educated Frankensteins’. For, all have been tutored ,trained, supplied arms & ammunitions, drugs, cash and what not in a sustained manner to achieve a common goal or purpose. When the intended targets come in conflict with “going out of boot” tendency, when “voice of freedom” is raised to ensure a ‘freedom’ once considered common goal, dissent and disagreement is bound to surface. The splinter groups emerge to give credence and strength, if not to ensure legitimacy and the help of religion is invariably also resorted to. Attack on 155 persons (mostly school children) in Peshawar in Pakistan on 17 /12/2014 and the reign of terror let loose by the Sea Hawks off the coast of Somalia would be burning examples of once comrades turned enemies phenomenon.

4.  Any terror attack perpetrated either by small arms proliferation or reckless shootings in a public place or conventional explosions or RDX generated or by taking recourse to upgraded arms & ammunitions (say A.K.47) anywhere, has to be and must be condemned by all humanist minded individuals. Why one is using the expression ’humanist’, it  is owing to the fact that “it is easy to be a man or woman but not everyone is humane”. So why shouldn’t we try to inculcate the spirit of humanity even among those who seem to have deviated, if not alienated from the mainstream.

5.  Another issue which should be stressed upon at this crucial juncture of the World history is that Why should’nt we give up a ‘Big Brother’ attitude or a tendency to keep one’s interest alive in a zone or the region ,far away from one’s own country. There should be no need to poke nose in the internal affairs of a tiny or relatively small country either in the Middle East or Asia or Africa. Will it not be proper and human if the people of the country concerned are left to decide their own fate even if Monarchy is imposed in the name of Democracy or Dictatorship or the Army Rule comes following a Coup-de-tat. The countries of the World are no longer compartmentalized, isolated or insulated. They are no longer under the clutches or the influence of a single religion or faith. The phenomenon of Global Village is fast taking shape thanks to the spread of literacy and proliferation of social networking habit. The  spread of education, Mass media, judicial activism, right to information, awareness towards better health & nutrition, upgraded benefits to the destitute & elderly, all are making a difference everywhere. Right to food, education and basic health facilities have come up and making a certain statement as never before.

6.  Under the circumstances, it would be advisable to mind one’s own business. Then only senseless assaults, murders, explosions, suicide attacks etc. may be minimized or reduced, if not eliminated altogether. However, another factor or issue that needs to be kept in mind is that to perpetuate terror will be always the business of some. It may be advisable, therefore, to ignore or undermine such forces or elements but at the same time, suitably tackle them on a ‘as and when basis’.

7.  If we look at the example of our own country, we seem to have lost more than a lakh of people in the terrorist attacks in J&K, Punjab, Maharastra, UP, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi and many other states since 1982. While Mumbai faced more than 300 deaths in two spells in 1993-94, the country’s capital had to bear the brunt in form of as many as 13 blasts in 1997 alone. When the ‘movement’ peaked in Punjab, it was lying low in J&K. When Punjab, somehow became normal after years of efforts as also supreme sacrifices by the security forces, the ugly head of terror resurfaced in J&K in 1989.Same has been kept alive by the forces and ideologues from across the border in some form or the other even till date despite a long period of Cease-fire between the two countries in between.

8.  In addition, India has survived and is expected to do well even while being deprived of  a specific Central Law to deal with the terrorist and disruptive activities. TADA, enacted in 1985 and extended on a yearly basis, was finally allowed to lapse due to severe criticism in the wake of its use against non-terrorists in some of the states. The Criminal Law Amendment Bill,1995,expected to replace TADA by getting rid of the controversial clauses, however, could not see the light of the day for want of political consensus. After a gap of few years when terrorist attacks increased manifold, POTA was enacted by further improving and fine-tuning the Criminal Law Amendment Bill.But the Central Govt. of the day soon did away with this hard work of dedicated officers and a few civil society activists to allow it to cause its own premature demise.

9. In the present scenario, therefore, with some amendments in the three major Central Criminal Acts pertaining to terrorist and disruptive activities and Presidential assent to some State Anti-terror laws(such as ,one of Maharastra), situation is being' managed'. Also the saving clause of TADA is invoked at some intervals in respect of capture or extradition of erstwhile Punjab, J&K or Mumbai blast connected accused, mostly from abroad.

10. Whether the current approach is right or wrong or will it work or fail, only time will tell. But learning from the experiences of each other for the sake of regular intelligence sharing and requisite follow up actions, bereft of vested interests, should work, if not succeed. Signing of extradition ,mutual legal assistance  and police co-operation treaties together with the use of available and accessible Interpol channels should and must also come to rescue.

11. The role of UNO in the circumstances has to  be decisive, crucial and pro-active. One is constrained to state that presumably due to nations having the VETO power, the world body is not  performing in the manner, it is expected to. Also the tendency by the super powers to persuade small or vulnerable nations to sign or ratify a treaty or convention without signing by themselves, will have to go forthwith. One can not have a cake and eat it too. 

WORLD GOING GAGA OVER YOGA

It was not one of the best mornings. Certainly it was going to be one of the most memorable ones. One could not think of better mix of culture, nature and heritage.21^st June 2015, a Sunday, was observed as the INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY (IYD), upon UN sanction and mandate. Thousands of people from different walks of lives and following myriad faiths joined in spectacular celebrations in many countries as a matter of tribute to the age old Indian exercise regime, having a sustainable element of discipline.

Yoga Wave from One End to Another

 By evening, one heard of such events, as at Raj Path, New Delhi to difficult locations, such as, Siachen Glacier in J&K, to fun place, at Bondi Beach, Sydney to historical site of Thames River bank in London, to high altitude forward areas in Sikkim & Arunachal, ‘always in news’ institution of Tihar Jail and ultimately, the Times Square                                                                               in New York.

As is well known by now, the process had begun in New York in September 2014, when, of 199 UN members, 177 (47 being Islamic) had endorsed the proposal mooted by the Indian PM Sri Narendra Modi on the floor of UNGA. Of all the things, he said, he also advocated IYD sincerely. While he himself was on a 9 day long fast to coincide with the Navratras, his instinct and expression spoke more than his words. The longest day of the year, thus became a harbinger of deep rooted Indian traditions aimed at a healthy life.

Origin and Efficacy Of Yoga

Yoga has emanated from the Sanskrit word “Yuj”, meaning to Yoke, join or unite. It is supposed to be a spiritual practice or discipline aimed at helping an individual in unifying his/her body, mind and heart. End result should be or has to be, mental and physical well being. Propounded by Guru Patanjali more than 5000 years ago, slowly and surely, it has reached many parts of world, providing an additional source of livelihood to many.  Whichever portion, nook or corner is uncovered is bound to benefit from the observance of the International Yoga Day.

Mis-conceived Notions To Avoid

As the PM rightly made it clear soon after himself taking active part in the demonstrations by 35,985 people belonging to 84 nations (a world record for such an event in a single venue), Yoga was not merely an exercise, it was a system, a way of life. He hailed the occasion as the “dawn of a new era of peace”. What he apparently meant was that Yoga did not know any barriers or boundaries, religious, caste or creed wise and that the opponents may soon realise their folly. Whatever it is, the first celebration was a peaceful, orderly and a powerful one on a day which was cloudy for a change, in this part of the year, especially in Delhi( an abode of power elite), notorious for its tumultuous developments on the weather front.

Impact Of Asanas

As expected, the 45 minute long awaited event had 21 asanas showing the basic postures which have the potential to make our daily life simple. Slowly, these graduated to slightly difficult ones. Climax was reached with 7 to 8 Pranayams. The slow and simultaneous instructions in English and Hindi, coupled with commentary by an accomplished team of Doordarshan, added icing to the 'Cake'.

With this, one supposes, a certain positive message regarding a gift from many generations, down the line, has gone to different parts of the world, otherwise full of anxiety, tension, hatred, unwanted lust, materialism and what not. Many of the postures displayed and suggested are expected to help the ruffled minds as they undertake daily chores. Of all the things, marital tensions, tensions gripping children on account of studies & career and those emanating from office or business and having an undesirable bearing or impact on conjugal life, may be minimised, if not resolved altogether. But we will have to draw a definite cue from the sum and substance of the whole exercise. Kudos, Hats Off to the Department of AYUSH. 

Individual Likes & Dislikes vis-a-vis Changing Family Norms

Gone are the days when the Parents could take the anxieties off the off springs or the siblings could share and care and for that matter, the husband and wife could comfort each other, apart from hugging and essential family related interactions in the bed room. It is all due to growing and perceptible cleavage between the Family of Orientation (headed by father or Grandfather) and the Family of Procreation (headed by sons or the daughter-in-laws, in a nuclear setup, away from glare and patronage of the joint families). Also rapid developments on the communication fronts, such as, Cell, Internet,  Social Networking, Whats App, Web Camera etc. and the fresh or the renewed thinking, justified or unjustified, towards the LGBT category is leading to unusual revelations, disclosures, assertions and demands which the mores and folkways would not permit at one point of time. In addition fast or swift adoption of drugs culture by the youth is adding to the family and the societal crises.

In view of above dismal scenario, it could be safely said that something traditional like Yoga can help in reducing the impact of a few lethal symbols or signs, if not all, of modernity.

 One can go on and on. There is no end to it.

Yoga, in my opinion, at any time of the day or twice during the course of a working day, may relieve, restore balance and usher in positivism, ultimately leading to a long, healthy and meaningful life. Side by side, it may reduce the intake of Allopathic medicines, infamous for their side-effects. When the Japanese giants Suzuki-Maruti or Honda have a mandatory break and exercise every hour, together with confabulations relating to the strategy to be followed in the next hour, same is definitely time tested and with a profound purpose. Their success rate cannot possibly be doubted by the Tom, Dick and the Harries, only espousing the cause of liberalization.

Let us enjoy, therefore, this gift of "Indian nature” to the best of our ability. Let us also have a healthy vegetarian diet and a regulated work parameter, simultaneously. Controlling desires may work wonders for the “Mind, Body Co-ordination.”  

 Long Live International Yoga Day.