In a move that should caution power developers to avoid illegal dumping of waste like excavated debris, the Department of Forests, Environment and Wildlife in Sikkim has fined National Hyroelectric Power Corp Rs 75 lakh for violation of forest laws and unauthorised dumping of muck at Elaichi Khola and the area downstream of Teesta Stage V in East district.
A Sikkim Government official said the Range Officer, under whose jurisdiction the affected area falls, had submitted a complaint regarding the illegal dumping in these specific spots late last year. The damage to these areas was so drastic that the Forest Department had to take the matter to court for a fair decision.