Gangtok: Sikkim High Court has directed stopping discharge of untreated sewage into the streams feeding the Teesta river.
The untreated sewage has been flowing into drains,jhoras,streams and such outlets from hotels and hpuses in Lachen & Lachung North Sikkim. Directions have been issued , consequent upon a Public Interest Litigation. An inspection was conducted by District Legal Services Authority, Mangan . The report was submitted by the State LSA .
The authorities have been directed to tell hotels to stop untreated discharge .Hotels are required to comply with the directions within 4 weeks,if not face closure.
The proposed sewerage system and treatment plants for Lachen and Lachung under the Vibrant Villages Programme have encountered uncertainty over eligibility for central funding. The State’s Public Health Engineering Department has argued that the projects are necessary for pollution abatement of the Teesta, with a further response from the National River Conservation Directorate awaited, according to the report.
The Court has directed the State Government to identify locations requiring sewage treatment plants in all six districts within three weeks and communicate with the Ministry of Jal Shakti within the following week. Periodic progress reports must be submitted until completion, with an initial compliance report due within five weeks.
Next hearing on 28th October ’26.
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