Lepchas Oppose Teesta Dam Over Safety, Future, Rights
P&C | Thursday, 31 July 2025
India | Planet & Commerce
Ancient Lands Washed Away: GLOF Disaster Shatters Himalayan Villages
When a massive glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) tore through the Teesta River valley in October 2023, it marked the most devastating hydrological disaster in Sikkim’s recent history. The cataclysm not only annihilated the state’s largest hydropower dam—Teesta III—but also turned the lives of thousands of Indigenous Lepchas upside down. Homes were swept away. Lands vanished. Entire communities were displaced.
For residents of Naga village, like Tashi Choden Lepcha, the nightmare began with tremors and torrential rain. In the darkness, without electricity or warning systems, they fled uphill as the scent of mud and gunpowder filled the air. Within moments, a wall of water released by the breach of South Lhonak Lake swept down from the Himalayas, carrying sediment and destruction through the heart of Sikkim and into West Bengal and Bangladesh.
The destruction was swift and incomprehensible:
- 55 dead, 74 missing
- Over 7,000 people displaced
- 31 bridges destroyed
- 270 square kilometres of farmland submerged
- National Highway 10 fractured by landslides and gashes
Now, with vast stretches of Sikkim still cut off, homes collapsed or crumbling, and communities living in temporary camps, the Indian government has made a controversial move: rebuilding the Teesta III dam without conducting fresh environmental assessments or consulting the public—especially the Indigenous Lepchas, whose future hangs in the balance.
Damaged, Displaced and Disregarded: The Cost of Hydro Ambitions
The Teesta III dam, once a cornerstone of India’s renewable energy vision, had long been plagued by delays, cost overruns, and natural disasters. Conceived in 2005 as a public-private project with a price tag of Rs 5,705 crore ($667 million), its actual cost swelled to over Rs 14,000 crore ($1.6 billion) due to landslides, a 2011 earthquake, and political inefficiencies.
The 2023 flood brought all these issues to a tipping point. When the dam burst, it released 5 million cubic metres of reservoir water, amplifying the disaster. Experts like Farooq Azam from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) argue the impact was preventable. Faulty infrastructure, ignored glacial threats, and lack of early warning systems compounded the crisis.
Yet, in the flood’s aftermath, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) greenlit the reconstruction project, based on outdated Environmental Impact Assessments from before 2006. The same flawed studies that ignored the risk of GLOFs are being used again—without any public hearing or release of updated dam safety reports.
Critics like Himanshu Thakkar from the South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People (SANDRP) warn of repeating past mistakes. “What was the hurry to give clearance for rebuilding, even before the Central Water Commission cleared the design?” he asks. “The dam collapse wasn’t just a natural disaster—it was a manmade failure rooted in negligence.”
Indigenous Resistance: Sacred Rivers, Broken Homes, and a Fragile Future
The dam's collapse wasn't merely physical—it fractured a centuries-old cultural and spiritual relationship the Lepcha people share with the Teesta River. The river is not just a water source; it is a living deity, central to Lepcha animist traditions and beliefs. Dzongu, home to many Lepchas, is a protected Indigenous reserve, nestled in the sensitive ecological buffer of the Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve.
The government's decision to move ahead with a new 520 MW Teesta IV hydroelectric project—which includes tunneling under Lepcha villages and diverting sacred water bodies—has only deepened mistrust.
“We are animists. Our identity is tied to these rivers,” says Mayalmit Lepcha, general secretary of the Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT). “If they destroy our land, they destroy us.”
The proposed tunnels under Hee Gyathang and Sanggong villages, as well as beneath the sacred Tung Kyong Dho lake, threaten not just biodiversity, but spiritual lifelines. The government claims a concrete faced rockfill dam is more flood-resistant than the previous concrete gravity model. But Indigenous residents and scientists are unconvinced.
“The soil here is fragile,” warns Sangdup Lepcha, ACT’s president. “We are seeing more landslides every year. The next tunneling could bring total collapse.”
Downstream Wounds: North Bengal Bears the Burden Too
The tragedy didn’t stop in Sikkim. The destructive waves tore into North Bengal, burying football fields, shops, and homes in mud. 22-year-old Leboon Thapa, an aspiring footballer, now lives in a relief camp, his childhood village of Bhalukhola reduced to ruins. His dreams are trapped under layers of silt.
“If they rebuild the dam, they must build protection walls here too,” he says, standing amid highway rubble and tunnel blasts.
Further downstream, Tikaram Karki, a 68-year-old motorcycle mechanic in Teesta Bazar, lost his shop and home. His Rs 30 lakh ($35,000) investment in property yielded a paltry Rs 75,000 ($876) in government compensation.
“Now I pay Rs 8,000 rent monthly with no income,” he laments. “This wasn’t just a flood. It was years of silt buildup and negligence.”
Such stories echo across the valley, from Melli to Kalimpong, Darjeeling to Jalpaiguri. Their shared concern: why rebuild a failed dam before ensuring protection for those still struggling to survive?
Scientific Alarm: GLOFs, Glacial Melt, and a Climate of Uncertainty
A 2025 study published in science confirms the fears: South Lhonak Lake has grown tenfold since 1975, becoming one of the region’s most hazardous glacial lakes. Rising temperatures, unchecked glacial melt, and sediment buildup from repeated damming have made GLOFs more likely—and more lethal.
“Without reinforced spillways, real-time monitoring and spill protocols, rebuilding Teesta III is reckless,” says Azam of ICIMOD.
In fact, evidence shows the Teesta III dam was still operating the night of the disaster—despite receiving alerts. No gates were opened, no emergency procedures activated. And no accountability followed.
Worse, experts warn that none of the downstream dams have been redesigned to handle a surge if Teesta III fails again. If history repeats, the devastation could be even more widespread.
Fragile Lives, Forgotten Voices: Compensation Delayed, Hope Denied
Back in Singhik, Tashi Choden Lepcha now lives alone in a government lodge. Her family is scattered—her children in Siliguri for schooling, her husband searching for work. The lodge walls are already cracking.
“We’ve lived like refugees for two years,” she says. “I’ve lost two homes, and we’re still waiting for safe land. How long can we survive like this?”
Most of the 150 displaced families from Naga remain without permanent shelter. Meanwhile, tunneling resumes, roads remain damaged, and bridges hang in disrepair.
“We want transparency. We want safety. And we want to be heard,” says Tashi, wiping tears.
Conclusion: A Call for Science, Justice and Sustainability
The story of the Teesta III dam is not just about infrastructure—it’s about fragile ecologies, spiritual landscapes, and marginalized communities forced into silence. As India eyes hydroelectricity to power its future, it must confront hard questions about how much the mountains can take, and how much the people downstream can endure.
“Don’t act against Indigenous rights,” urges Mayalmit. “I speak for the rivers, the birds, and the animals here.”
Praful Rao, from Save The Hills, echoes that call: “We can’t keep building dams every few kilometres. It’s time to ask how many this fragile region can support—before the next disaster answers for us.”
Beijing Floods Reveal System Failures and Public Safety
P&C | Thursday, 31 July 2025
China | Planet & Commerce
Rare Official Admission in Face of Mounting Death Toll
In an unusually candid acknowledgment, Yu Weiguo, Communist Party Secretary of Beijing’s Miyun District, admitted to significant lapses in disaster preparedness following the devastating floods that struck the capital city earlier this week. The flooding—some of the most severe the region has faced in years—has so far claimed at least 44 lives, with nine more missing, including four municipal employees.
During a press conference on Thursday, Yu stated bluntly, “There were gaps in our preparatory plans. Our knowledge of extreme weather was lacking.” His remarks, published by Agence France-Presse, mark a rare departure from China’s usual political messaging and highlight growing pressure on local officials to take responsibility as climate-related disasters intensify across the country.
Yu emphasized the need to prioritize human lives and livelihoods, underscoring that slogans like “people first” must be matched by actions. “This tragic lesson has warned us,” he said, mourning the lives lost in a flood that exposed both systemic weaknesses and a lack of community readiness.
Torrential Rain Unleashes Chaos on Beijing’s Outer Districts
Between Sunday and Monday, the Miyun and Yanqing districts of Beijing experienced a year’s worth of rainfall in just seven days. The deluge flipped cars, inundated homes, and destroyed critical infrastructure. More than 300,000 residents were affected, with over 80,000 forced to relocate and more than 100 villages plunged into darkness after losing power.
Among the most tragic incidents was the death of 31 elderly residents at a nursing home in Taishitun, a town in Miyun. Located near the Qingshui River, the facility was rapidly overwhelmed when the river burst its banks. According to a report by Caixin, floodwaters were still knee-deep in the building two days after the catastrophe. Many of the elderly victims had limited mobility, raising questions about why they were not evacuated in time.
This event has sharply underscored the vulnerability of elder care facilities, especially those situated near water bodies in flood-prone regions. Yu’s public mourning for the dead was accompanied by a call for more stringent disaster plans in the future—but for many, the damage has already been done.
Infrastructure Failures and Lack of Early Warning Spark Outrage
Beijing’s local authorities acknowledged that their disaster mitigation systems were inadequate, particularly in mountainous outer districts like Miyun and Yanqing. Years of urban expansion and underinvestment in rural disaster infrastructure have left many communities exposed to flash flooding and mudslides.
Even as official apologies were issued, residents expressed frustration over the lack of timely warnings. “We didn’t really receive any specific warning,” said Li Qingfa, a 75-year-old flood survivor from Miyun. “We didn’t receive any training in confronting the disaster. The government was caught off guard.”
These sentiments were echoed in multiple interviews by The Guardian, where survivors recounted the suddenness of the floodwaters and their feeling of abandonment. Many were left without proper evacuation orders, access to safe shelters, or communication about the unfolding crisis.
Climate Change Compounds China’s Disaster Vulnerability
Extreme weather events have become increasingly frequent across China, a country that continues to suffer from intense floods, record heatwaves, and typhoons in recent years. According to the Beijing municipal government, rainfall this year has been 67% above the norm, indicating a dangerous trend likely fueled by climate change and altered atmospheric patterns.
Yet the government’s disaster response mechanisms have not kept pace with the new climate reality. While President Xi Jinping urged all departments to “make every effort to protect people’s lives and property,” experts argue that without early warning systems, community education, and infrastructure investment, such directives will remain hollow.
The floods in Beijing come just a year after massive flooding in Henan province killed hundreds and submerged an entire subway line, sparking national outrage. And still, disaster protocols across multiple cities remain poorly enforced or woefully outdated.
Human Toll, Institutional Lessons, and the Way Forward
The Beijing floods have exposed more than broken roads and inundated homes—they’ve revealed a deep need for structural reforms in how China prepares for and responds to extreme weather. The devastation in Miyun and Yanqing could have been mitigated with modern warning systems, effective evacuation drills, and reinforced flood infrastructure, critics say.
Moreover, the concentration of deaths at a single nursing home has brought renewed attention to the elderly population's vulnerability, especially in under-resourced districts where emergency services are stretched thin.
Yu Weiguo’s statement that “putting human life first is more than a slogan” is a necessary first step, but experts and citizens alike demand more than words. Public trust, once broken by inadequate responses, is hard to restore without transparent investigations, clear accountability, and visible improvements on the ground.
With climate unpredictability only set to rise, China must embrace science-based disaster planning, empower local communities with training and resources, and rethink urban planning to reflect ecological realities. Until then, each monsoon season threatens to bring with it not only rain, but avoidable tragedy.
Conclusion: A Critical Juncture for Beijing's Resilience
The floods in Beijing are not an isolated incident—they are a warning siren for a nation facing a volatile climate future. As torrential rains become the norm and outdated infrastructure buckles under pressure, Chinese officials are now forced to reconcile their development goals with the realities of climate vulnerability.
For the families who have lost loved ones, no apology or reform will undo the damage. But for the millions still living in flood-prone areas, action must begin now.
Because next time, the warning may not come in time.
Global Shockwaves as Trump Tariffs Hit 70 Nations
P&C | Friday, 01 Aug. 2025
Asia | Planet & Commerce
Trump’s New Tariffs Shake Global Trade: Nations React, Markets Stumble
70 Countries Targeted by Import Duties as US Asserts Economic Power
President Donald Trump’s decision to impose sweeping tariffs on nearly 70 nations, effective August 7, has triggered intense global reactions from governments and sent tremors through financial markets. While some countries secured reduced rates at the last minute, others were caught off guard by sudden escalations — including Switzerland’s unexpected 39% levy and Canada’s punitive tariff hike tied to geopolitical disputes.
The White House framed the move as a push to level the playing field for US manufacturers, discourage foreign imports, and force trade partners to offer better terms. Tariff rates range widely — from 15% for the EU and Japan, to as high as 39% for Switzerland and 35% for Canada. Here's how the world is reacting.
Asia: From Shock to Strategy
China:
Beijing condemned the tariffs as damaging to global stability. Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun reiterated China’s position: “There is no winner in a trade war.” The US and China are currently in talks to avert further escalation, though a 30% tariff is still on track for August 12 after a temporary pause from the earlier 145% level.
Taiwan:
President William Lai Ching-te called the 20% tariff on Taiwanese exports “temporary,” expressing hope for reductions if progress is made in ongoing trade talks. The US had threatened a 32% tariff, especially targeting Taiwan’s semiconductor sector, critical to both countries' technology industries.
Japan:
Tokyo accepted a 15% tariff, down from a threatened 25%, but pressed Washington to further ease levies on automobiles and parts. The Bank of Japan warned of declining profits and falling capital investment, especially as Japanese automakers absorb costs instead of raising prices for US consumers.
Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia:
Southeast Asia had mixed reactions:
- Malaysia said its reduced tariff avoided “red line” items.
- Thailand’s finance minister praised the cut from 36% to 19%, saying it boosts competitiveness.
- Cambodia, facing an initial threat of 49%, celebrated the final 19% rate as a “lifeline” for its garment sector, which employs over one million workers.
Sri Lanka & Bangladesh:
Both South Asian nations secured lower rates — 20% instead of 44% for Sri Lanka and 37% for Bangladesh. Bangladeshi officials described it as a “diplomatic victory”, preserving their crucial textile export industries.
India: Strategic Restraint Amid Rising Pressure
India will now face a 25% tariff, slightly reduced from Trump’s earlier threats. However, the White House added an unspecified penalty related to New Delhi’s ongoing defence and energy ties with Russia. India, refusing immediate retaliation, is considering increasing imports from the US — such as natural gas, gold, and telecom equipment — to soothe tensions. However, it has rejected the F-35 jet deal, emphasizing joint manufacturing over direct purchases.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal confirmed that the government is engaging with exporters and industry groups to assess the impact, while also keeping WTO retaliation rights on reserve.
Europe: Strategic Adjustment, Surprise Setbacks
European Union:
EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic called the 15% all-inclusive cap a positive step stemming from a new EU-US framework agreement, signaling more stable transatlantic trade. Still, negotiations remain ongoing for sector-specific adjustments.
Switzerland:
Caught by surprise, Switzerland was hit with a 39% tariff, higher than initially forecast. Despite its “constructive stance,” the Alpine nation’s massive pharmaceutical sector, including Roche and Novartis, now faces increased costs. Swiss officials expressed “great regret” and are seeking clarity from Washington.
Africa and Americas: Diplomatic Push, Tariff Blowback
South Africa:
President Cyril Ramaphosa said his country would use the one-week delay to negotiate and protect jobs. “Our task is to negotiate as strongly and as hard as we can,” he said.
Pakistan:
Securing a 19% tariff, down from proposed higher rates, Islamabad praised the outcome as a “new era” of US-Pakistan economic collaboration, particularly in energy, IT, and cryptocurrency sectors.
Canada:
Facing a sharp hike to 35% tariffs, Canada was penalized not only for trade reasons but also for its UN stance on Palestinian statehood and alleged lack of fentanyl enforcement. Prime Minister Mark Carney criticized the move, defending Canada’s crackdown on illegal opioids and reaffirming its USMCA treaty protections, which exempt many categories of trade.
Markets React: Stocks Dip, Currencies Slide, Oil Steady
The global economic fallout began to show even before the tariffs took effect:
- European stocks hit three-week lows.
- Asian shares recorded their worst week since April, led by declines in Japan and India.
- India’s rupee slid 0.4%, while the NSE Nifty 50 Index fell 0.5% amid concerns about export competitiveness.
- Despite the turmoil, oil prices held firm, ending the week on a slight uptick due to stable US consumption forecasts.
Strategic Takeaway: Tariff Diplomacy or Economic Brinkmanship?
President Trump’s sweeping tariff offensive has reshaped the global trade landscape in just days, drawing a wide range of responses — from compliance to condemnation.
While some countries negotiated reduced rates and delay windows, others are bracing for economic pain and potential political backlash. With talks ongoing and tariffs still subject to revision, the next few weeks may determine whether this is the start of a broader global trade war or the culmination of Trump’s pressure-based trade strategy.
One thing is clear: the world is watching, reacting, and recalibrating.
Myanmar Junta Ends Emergency Rule to Stage Election
P&C | Friday, 01 Aug. 2025
Myanmar | Planet & Commerce
Myanmar Junta Ends Emergency Rule to Hold Elections, Opposition Calls It a “Fraud”
December Vote Set Amid Civil War, Rebel Uprisings, and Global Criticism
The military junta in Myanmar has officially ended its state of emergency, clearing the way for controversial national elections in December, despite widespread resistance from opposition groups and accusations of electoral manipulation. The move, announced by junta spokesperson Zaw Min Tun, marks what the regime calls a “transition to multiparty democracy,” but opposition leaders and international observers warn it is a tactical maneuver to entrench military rule under a democratic guise.
The state of emergency was imposed in February 2021, when the military ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, detaining civilian leaders and plunging the country into a brutal civil conflict. Over three years of junta control, Myanmar has witnessed thousands of deaths, mass displacement, economic collapse, and an emboldened resistance movement.
Now, as Myanmar prepares for its first election since the coup, Min Aung Hlaing, the military chief who led the takeover, is positioning himself to retain power — potentially as president or as head of the armed forces — no matter the outcome.
“The Second Chapter”: Junta Pushes Polls Amid Repression and Rebellion
Military Leadership Seeks Legitimacy Through Elections as Crackdowns Continue
In a speech reported in the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar, Min Aung Hlaing declared that the nation had moved past “the first chapter” of military stabilization and was entering “the second chapter” through elections.
“Efforts will be made to enable all eligible voters to cast their ballots,” the junta leader claimed, amid reports of censorship, mass disenfranchisement, and violent suppression of dissent.
While no specific date has been announced, political party registrations and training on electronic voting machines are underway. However, the junta has simultaneously implemented laws prescribing up to 10 years in prison for anyone who “destroys a part of the electoral process,” signaling a pre-emptive strike on protestors, civil society, and independent media.
Opposition figures and civil society groups have denounced the upcoming vote, warning that the military is attempting to manufacture consent through restricted voting, manipulated census data, and heavy-handed legal threats. The UN special rapporteur on Myanmar last month described the planned elections as “a fraud,” designed only to legitimize continued military dominance.
Opposition Boycott and Rebel Threats Loom Over Election
Security Crisis and Census Shortfalls Undermine Electoral Credibility
The junta’s control of the country remains deeply fractured. A provisional census conducted last year — intended to underpin voter lists — failed to collect data from nearly 19 million people out of Myanmar’s 51 million population, citing “significant security constraints”. These missing figures reflect entire regions where the military cannot operate due to ongoing armed resistance.
Opposition groups including members of Suu Kyi’s ousted National League for Democracy (NLD), as well as ethnic armed organizations and people’s defense forces, have vowed to boycott the election or actively disrupt it.
Analysts warn that the election period could be marred by increased rebel offensives, launched as symbolic acts of resistance against what they deem an illegitimate military regime.
“This is a stage-managed attempt at democracy,” said a Southeast Asia security analyst. “The junta wants the optics of an election, not the reality of popular will.”
Amnesty for Surrender, Censorship for Dissent
Junta Offers Cash to Rebels While Imposing New Political Speech Restrictions
In a parallel move to its electoral push, the military is also offering cash rewards and amnesty to fighters who surrender and “return to the legal fold.” The campaign, launched this month, is being presented as an effort to promote reconciliation — but observers say it is a desperate ploy to thin resistance ranks ahead of the vote.
At the same time, the regime is ramping up punitive legal measures targeting journalists, activists, and anyone criticizing the election process. Human rights groups warn that the new 10-year sentence clause for “disrupting” the election is so broad that it could criminalize almost any form of dissent.
“This is not a democratic transition — it’s a power grab cloaked in ballot boxes,” said an exiled Myanmar journalist.
Regional and International Skepticism Grows
No Recognition Without Free and Fair Election, Say Diplomats
While the junta seeks to court regional legitimacy through its electoral theatre, most international bodies remain deeply skeptical. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has been split, with some member states pushing for engagement and others calling for dialogue with opposition forces, not the military.
The UN, EU, and several Western governments have repeatedly said that any election held under martial conditions and without meaningful political freedom cannot be recognized as legitimate.
Meanwhile, Aung San Suu Kyi remains in detention, and many of her top allies face lengthy prison sentences or exile. The NLD and other major democratic forces remain banned, surveilled, or underground.
Conclusion: A Vote Without Choice, A Democracy Without Rights
Myanmar’s military junta may be ending emergency rule, but its tight grip on power, territory, and civic life remains unshaken. As December’s vote nears, the process is already marred by violence, fear, and legal repression, with millions excluded and opposition parties outlawed or intimidated.
If this is a new chapter for Myanmar, as Min Aung Hlaing claims, it may be one that cements autocracy in the language of democracy — and leaves the country’s long-suffering citizens further from genuine freedom than ever.