JAC missiles FIR against Teesta Urja and BRO over Bridge Collapse incident

To,
The Officer-in-charge,
Singtam Police Station
East Sikkim.
Dated: 20/12/2011

Subject: FIRST INFORMATION REPORT

Sir,

JAC missiles FIR against Teesta Urja and BRO over Bridge Collapse incident

We, the constituent units of the Platform for Joint Action against Ting-Ting, Tashiding & Lethang Hydropower Projects would like to bring the followings for your information and necessary action.

1. That, on hearing the collapse of Rangchang Bridge and killing of several people on 19/12/2011, we visited the spot today to ascertain the ground realities.
2. That, upon our ongoing it was revealed that the bridge was collapsed when 48-wheeler heavy trailer engaged by the Teesta Urja Company attempted to cross over the bridge.
3. That, the technical specification displayed about the bridge suggest that the trailer carrying equipment of Teesta Urja was heavily overloaded, that caused the bridge collapsed.
4. That, roadways in Sikkim are very sensitive as they are constructed along the fragile mountains. The Government has also prescribed certain limit for carrying loads to all transport vehicles.

Hence, in this connection, we have to state that: – Sikkim, being a sensitive border state The Rangchang Bridge along the Singtam-Dikchu-Mangan highway connects the border areas with China.

Further, we sincerely believe M/S Teesta Urja Pvt. Ltd. which is engaged in constructing Hydro Power Project caused the bridge to collapse and death of innocent people.

Moreover we strongly believe that necessary action must be initiated against: M/S Teesta Urja Pvt. Ltd., Border Road Organisation (BRO) and the other related state authorities as per the law of the land.

Yours sincerely,

Tseten Tashi Bhutia P.R.Kharga
Convenor for-President
Platform for Joint Action SAVE Sikkim

Navin Kiran Tenzing Bhutia
President ASESE&UA Co-ordinator- PFOE