Carrying Capacity Study of Teesta Basin in Sikkim - Affected ...

economic conditions of the inhabitants of the State are below average. Due
to the hilly terrain, the agricultural production is not sufficient even to the
self consumption needs of the population but potential for agriculture
development exists in the state due to high rainfall. Horticulture and
floriculture and tourism also hold the promise in future, if appropriate
strategy for furthering these sectors is adopted in right earnest.
Due to prevalent cold and moderate climatic conditions with very
low ambient dust levels, the state presents an ideal opportunity for
development of high tech industries like micro-electronics and ancillary
products which impose fewer burdens on transportation facilities and
earn rich dividends. However, for such developmental efforts,
abundance of cheap and clean power is vital. The available hydel power
in the state , if harnessed in a planned way , can not only meet the
domestic requirements but can also feed the eastern sector which has
large industrial base and hence requires sustained power. This would go
a long way in boosting up the economic level of the region.
Energy needs of the region are chiefly met by petroleum products
and wood based products. Availability of electric power will thus obviate
the wasteful expenditure on transportation costs of petroleum products
as well as degradation of environment due to deforestation. Cheap
electrical power will help in reducing environmental pollution due to
deforestation and use of petroleum products. The hydel power
generation can become a source of revenue to the state with recurring
benefits from such income.
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CISMHE