It is rare in Indian politics that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress are seen together on any issue……. 
In Indian politics, it is rare to see the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress agreeing on the same issue. Given the political climate in Lutyens’ Delhi, such a scenario seems almost impossible. However, in the northeastern state of Sikkim, both parties have surprisingly taken a common stand against the Teesta-III Hydropower Project.
Why is BJP Opposing the Project?
Sikkim BJP President D.R. Thapa has openly opposed the Teesta-III Hydropower Project, which recently received approval from a central government panel. Under this project, a dam is to be built on the Teesta River. However, Thapa has raised concerns over its potential risks and environmental impact.
On February 2, 2024, he wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging a reconsideration of the approval. He argued that before moving forward, the government must address safety concerns and conduct a fresh scientific assessment of the project. Sikkim BJP officials are also expected to meet Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav later this month to discuss the matter.
Congress Joins BJP in Opposing the Dam
Following BJP’s opposition, Congress has also voiced strong concerns against the dam project. Senior Congress leader and former Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to warn about its disastrous consequences.
He stated that:
- The project site is prone to natural disasters like landslides and floods.
- Constructing the dam could severely impact local communities and downstream areas.
- The government is approving hydropower projects without proper environmental assessments.
Ramesh also shared a statement Congress made in August 2023, criticizing the government for pushing hydropower projects in ecologically sensitive areas without proper evaluation. According to Congress, the Teesta River dam project is an example of how fragile ecosystems are being disturbed, leading to long-term consequences for future generations.
Why is the Project So Controversial?
Sikkim has already witnessed the devastating impact of previous hydropower projects. On October 3-4, 2023, a massive disaster struck when the South Lhonak Lake’s glacial dam collapsed, leading to a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF).
- This flood destroyed the existing 1200 MW Teesta-III Hydropower Project.
- The 60-meter-high rockfill concrete dam was completely washed away.
- Nearly 50 people lost their lives, and thousands were displaced.
Even today, the region has not fully recovered from that disaster. Given this history, BJP’s Sikkim unit is demanding a halt to the new project.
BJP’s Key Demands
In his letter to PM Modi, Thapa highlighted the need for a thorough scientific reassessment of all hydropower projects in Sikkim. He argued that:
- The previous assessments were inaccurate, which is why the earlier dam failed.
- A new assessment should focus on climate risks, GLOF threats, and environmental impact.
- Only after ensuring complete safety, should the project move forward.
He emphasized that Sikkim is an ecologically fragile Himalayan state, and any development must be scientifically evaluated before execution.
The rare alignment between BJP and Congress in Sikkim highlights growing environmental concerns over large infrastructure projects in sensitive regions. While the central government may see hydropower as a renewable energy solution, local leaders from both parties are prioritizing safety and environmental sustainability over economic benefits.
