Hydroelectricity power plants in Darjeeling, Kalimpong shut

Hydroelectricity power plants in Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts have started to bear the brunt of the ongoing Gorkhaland agitation. NHPC has stopped operations in the Stage 3 and Stage 4 of the Teesta Low Dam projects from Wednesday.

GJM supporters demonstrated in front of the NHPC projects on Wednesday following which the authorities decided to shut them down. Ever since the beginning of the agitation on June 8, there were attempts to shut down the NHPC projects. However, the projects had been functioning with generation of electricity continuing uninterrupted.

On Wednesday, the GJM supporters in large numbers turned up at the gates of the projects staging demonstrations demanding closure. Fearing that the protest may turn violent and damage the power stations, they were closed down, stated a NHPC official on condition of anonymity.

Stage 3 of the Teesta Low Dam Project is located near Rambi Ropeway and has a 132 MW capacity. Stage 4 is located 15 km downstream from Stage 3 and has a 160 MW capacity.

"We have heard of the shutdown of the NHPC projects and are looking into it," stated Joyoshi Das Gupta, District Magistrate, Darjeeling.

The Bengal government-run Rammam Hydel project and Jaldhaka Hydel project have also been shut down.

Since the agitation has gripped the Hills there have been several attacks on the Rammam Hydel Project located at Lhodama. Offices inside the project have been torched along with vehicles. The project produces 51 MW of electricity. Jaldhaka located in Jholong in the Kalimpong district generates 35 MW of electricity.

Meanwhile, the day also marked the funeral procession of 36-year-old Ashok Tamang who had passed away in a hospital in Sikkim. Tamang was injured in the scuffle between GJM supporters and security forces on July 8 in Darjeeling town. GJM supporters demanding the withdrawal of the CRPF from the Hills took out a procession with the dead body.

As the indefinite bandh continued, the Gram Panchayat office in Duptin in Mirik was torched. In Kalimpong, bare body rally in demand of Gorkhaland was organised.