ACT Writes to Union Environment Minister

The Affected Citizens of Teesta along with major National Level Environment and Social organizations have in a letter to Shri Jairam Ramesh, Hon’ble Minister of State(independent Charge) for Environment, GOI requested that Shri P. Abhraham be removed from the post the Chairman of the Expert Appraisal Committee on river Valley and Hydro Projects. This demand has been placed due to conflict of interest arising out of the fact that Shri P Abhraham is also the Director in many Private companies including Power companies that have received various environmental clearance bypassing objections from civil society Groups.

Further, while on a visit to Sikkim to ascertain the facts on the issue of Environmental scoping of Teesta HEP stage IV, Mr P. Abraham and the committee members stayed at the NHPC complex and enjoyed special hospitality, leading to grant of scoping to the NHPC despite numerous complaints against the company and adverse impact of the mega Project on the environment.

Continuance of such person in very important constitutional post has seriously compromised the very issue of proper Governance and the policies of the Government of India being misused for personal gains.

Since, the rich Bio-Diversity and the indigenous people of Sikkim are seriously affected by the vested interest of such person. The ACT has demanded his removal and review of all the clearance issued during his chairmanship.

Tseten Lepcha,

Vice-President, ACT