Side effects of RHP, Rimbik

Darjeeling: National Hydel Power Corporation (Teesta project) has been always the issue of Darjeeling hills, because of workers dispute, landslides, protest etc. This time Ramman Hydel Project (RHP) is coming up with new subject of concern to all the people of hills. RHP an ambitious hydel project situated at Rimbik – Lodhoma region, diverting all streams to the tunnel to produce the hydroelectricity.

Tremendous impacts of tunneling have been already reflected in the areas. Rimbik – Lodhoma regions, rich in spring water, now turning into dry areas, the most affected areas are: ‘Dilpali village’, ‘Fhorbai’, ‘Lhampate’, ‘Lekrebung’, ‘Tubung’, ‘Basbote’, ‘Lingsebung’, ‘Namla’, ‘Fatingtar’ etc,. People from these areas are suffering a huge drinking water problem, they are compelled to bring water from the distant of 5-6 km away from their homes, as source of spring water of their areas are completely dried-up because of artificial canal and tunnel made by RHP.

Moreover, during construction of RHP, people of the areas witnessed the tremors on entire Rimbik – Lodhoma regions, and expect the natural calamity in near future. Average people believe that these places have become unsuitable for human to live.

Last year, there was heavy landslide in the ‘Tubun busty’, affecting 12 acres of land and 29 families residing in the area. Only 7 families were able to acquire the help from the ‘Indira Awas’, other families are still living with uncertain future. RHP water tunnel has been laid just below the ‘Tubun busty’ area.

There is no water for agriculture at all, which is compelling farmers to migrate into other places. The areas are turning into Himalayan desert and RHP is responsible for all the causes. The concerned departments of Government are yet to pay attention the woes of the local people.

Diocesan Board of Social Service, Rimbik cluster, has come out with the voices of local people of those areas. The Social Group is associating with the problems of local people. The Social Group is organizing the programme “peoples’ verdict” in Rimbik on first week of January ’07, where Judges, senior Advocates, district authorities and concerned victims of the areas, are invited to attend the programme.