Protest meet & rally mark Intl Rivers Day observance
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, March 14 2014 : The Mapithel Dam Affected Villagers Organization, the Citizens Concern for Dams and Development, the Committee on the Protection of Natural Resources in Manipur and the Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur jointly celebrated the International Rivers Day today at Thoubal River (Yangwuikong River) at Riha Village along Mapithel Range in Ukhrul District, Manipur with a public consultation followed by a mass protest rally.

The celebration was organised to observe the importance of the rivers in sustaining life and health of the Earth, was attended by communities affected by the ongoing construction of the Mapithel Dam of the Thoubal Multipurpose Hydroelectric project and environmental activists, Ms Aram Pamei, Co-Chairperson of Citizens Concern for Dams and Development and Mr.Joseph Hmar, Secretary of Citizens Concern for Dams and Development (CCDD) and representatives of Mapithel Dam Affected Villagers Organization.

'No review No Mapithel Dam'

Ms Aram Pamei, Co-convenor of CCDD explained the significance rivers in sustaining life and expressed concern with the increased introduction of large hydropower projects such as Mapithel dam and 1500 MW Tipaimukh dam and several other dams in Manipur.

She outlined how present day generation inherited our rivers, forest and land from our forefather and not from the government, and how the present day generation has the responsibility to safeguard and protect the resources from its exploitation by the government and profit mongering corporations.

Joseph Hmar, Secretary of CCDD expressed his reservation towards the increasing corporatisation and privatisation of land, river and other natural resources, particularly damming of rivers of Manipur and across the India's North East region.

Damming industries has become a very profitable business whose benefits have been confined to the few corporate at the cost of the lives of indigenous people.

The necessity to take Free Prior and Informed Consent, to conduct social, environment impact assessment and to recognize communities' rights over land, forest and waters is blatantly violated in pursuing such mega dam development in the region.

Mr.Thanmi Kashung of Mapithel Dam Affected Villagers Organization expressed his reservation towards welfare policies and projects that don't benefit the common mass for which the projects were taken up.

He exclaimed to "Think globally, act locally".

The representatives from different villages affected by Mapithel dam such as Riha, Thoyee, Chadong, Lamlai Khunou etc shared their views and experiences of the Thoubal River on their livelihood and culture.

A representative from Thoyee expressed the significance of Yangwui Kong River on people's survival, securing them self sufficiency.

A representative from Chadong village has expressed resentment towards the half hearted ERC of the government which has in due course of time created social divisions.

Rajesh Ningthoukhongjam, Secretary General of Lifewatch has expressed that any development initiatives that affect people and environment should be subjected to thorough review.

The impact of projects on people should be assessed.

Sanaton Laishram, President, Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur expressed the necessity to strengthen communities resolve and determination to strive for a sustainable and secure future for all communities of Manipur depending on land, rivers, wetlands, forest etc for livelihood and survival.

The participants of the International River day celebration resolved that the Thoubal River (Yangwui Kong) is the life, source of history, culture, livelihood and identity of communities along the River; they would protect the Thoubal River, preserve it and to ensure its Free Flow; they reaffirm the call to "LET THE THOUBAL RIVER (YANGWUI KONG) FLOW FREE"; the ongoing Mapithel dam construction on Yangwuikong River/ Thoubal River is giving a widespread devastation on people and environment, so the Mapithel Dam should be reviewed at any cost to respect the wishes, aspiration and demands of all affected communities; and they would protect their future, defend their land and river at all cost.