Guwahati, Aug. 27 -- The Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to put a halt to new hydropower projects in the state and order an independent inquiry into existing projects following the devastating floods in neighbouring Nepal.

In a statement issued on Wednesday evening, August 26, SIBLAC convenor Tseten Tashi Bhutia called for a fresh assessment of development activities in the Himalayan region in light of the disaster in Nepal.

Bhutia, who is also the chief advisor to the BJP in Sikkim, expressed sympathy for those affected by the floods and wished success for the ongoing rescue operations.

"The disaster in Nepal highlights the vulnerability of the Himalayan region, requiring a fresh ass...