The Citizens’ Concern for Dams and Development (CCDD) endorses the long term demands of the Mapithel Dam Affected Villages Organization (MDAVO) for a comprehensive review of the Thoubal Multipurpose Project to ensure its compliance with environmental and social norms that emerged after the project was cleared for construction in 1980.
After more than 20 years of construction, the dam is still incomplete, and has found to lack sound environmental, social, economic, safety, quality studies and implementation. It is also revealed that the rehabilitation and resettlement component has also been completely neglected by dam authorities.
CAG reports also clearly found that there has been corruption and misappropriation of funds. The same CAG report also have found that there was no rigid quality control of the dam.
In yet another revelation it also has been found that the dam authorities have not obtained the mandatory environmental and forest clearance.
It may be mentioned here that the Chief Conservator of Forest of the Manipur Government have written to the Chief Engineer (IFCD) [Memo no. 3/39/2006-07/CCF(T&P)/TMP] in this regard that "I'm to inform you to stop any further construction of Thoubal Multipurpose Project and also to submit detailed report/explanation as required ……..".
In other words the dam authorities have failed in all aspects of dam building that necessitates this call for a comprehensive review.
CCDD expresses deep concern that the government of Manipur is trying to complete the construction without taking this dangerous negligence into consideration. CCDD joins the affected people in demanding that unless there is a comprehensive review all construction activities must be stopped henceforth.
Signed/-
Aram Pamei
Co-Chair - CCDD
Website: www.ccddne.net
Aram Pamei, CCDD(Citizens Concern for Dams and Development) supplied this Press Release to e-pao.net .
They can be contacted at ccddne(at)yahoo(dot)co(dot)in .
This Press Release was webcasted on November 16th, 2007
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