Chhota Rangit is her name. A medium sized Mountain River originating from the base of Maneybhanjyang in the south and rushing down towards Sikkim in the north where it embraces the Bara Rangit creating beautiful confluence. However, nowadays, the Bara Rangit, once a second biggest river of Sikkim, now being forced to run through the hellish dark tunnel where he (this river is depicted as male in a Lepcha folk tale) cannot see his own physical self, the confluence has lost all its charm. The mighty Bara Rangit has today been reduced to a tiny creek which even a tottering kid can easily cross. I often miss his rumbling voice and majestic rippling shape.

For some days a chilling gust of fear has started blowing that the Chhota Rangit also might meet similar fate as that of the Bara Rangit and Teesta.  It is quite evident from the initial work of the project at the base where the Baluwabas merges with the Chhota Rangit that the work has actually started. It is now in everybody’s knowledge in the Chhota Rangit valley that one WB State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd. is all set to go ahead with the 18 megawatt power project by harnessing the entire volume of water ever flowing in the Chhota Rangit since time immemorial. But how can we allow the Company to abduct this pristine river for their narrow material motive?

Chhota Rangit is the most precious gift, a divine gift, the mother Nature has endowed this valley with. Besides being an ever inspiring vibrant object of irreplaceable scenic beauty, this river has ever kept alive the environment and ecology of not only the entire valley of Bijanbari-Pulbazar region but all the adjoining regions including Darjeeling town. One can imagine the devastating impact upon the flora and fauna of the whole region. How a certain profit amassing company can lay claim upon the river which is the source of life for countless of creatures and vegetation is beyond anybody’s reasoning. 

Apart from its prime environmental and ecological importance, this north-bound river is related with a number of religious and cultural sentiment and significance. Its being north-bound, the Hindus regard this river as uniquely sacred and prefer to cremate their relatives’ bodies on the bank of this river to the satisfaction of their own religious belief. Some other ethnic groups in Nepali (Gorkha) community also perform their ethnic rituals on the banks of this river. Biharis also feel proud to perform their annual Chhat Puja along the bank of this river.

To hundreds of toiling folks this dancingly flowing river has ever been a source of sustenance in various manners.

Today when a Company is determined to loot this river, the whole valley has risen up with its sleeves rolled up to defend its Life Line knowing full well that the battle it has taken up will not end anytime soon. But it has made up its mind to fight to the last drop of blood.

I, on behalf of the Save Chhota Rangit Campaigning Committee, request everyone to extend your support to this Valley in whatever manner you like.