Gangtok, Aug. 28 -- Sikkim hydropower projects have come under renewed scrutiny following the devastating floods in neighbouring Nepal, with the Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to halt new hydroelectric projects in the state and order an independent assessment of existing plants.

The appeal follows the catastrophic August 26 flash flood that caused widespread destruction across the Nepal-Tibet border region, damaging settlements, roads, bridges and major energy infrastructure.

SIBLAC convenor Tseten Tashi Bhutia, who is also the chief advisor to the BJP in Sikkim, said the Nepal disaster had once again exposed the vulnerability of the Himalayan region and underlined the need to reassess m...