Writing on the wall
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: June 30 2015 -
Within the civil society organizations in Manipur, there had been adequate debate on the possible impact of constructing mega or mini dams.
While dealing with the issue, most of the oragnisations have also spelt out their objections in the most democratic way.
Whether or not the construction of the Mapithel Dam also known as Thoubal Multipurpose Project brings damnation or prosperity to the people has been amply demonstrated in the last few days.
Here, it is no longer the question of displaced people refusing to be relocated but how the corridors of power had totally ignored the cries of the people voiced through the civil society oragnisations.
As of now, responsible authorities need to seriously view the plight of the Chadong villagers in Ukhrul district, whose homes and hearths have been left to completely submerge in the murky shut for the Mapithel Dam.
It has been reported that villagers are now using canoes to ferry essential commodities and even for inter-village communication.
Even the only hanging bridge there has been immersed under the water since mid June. With water levels rising each day, the fate of the Chadong villagers precariously hangs in the balance.
As reported, the village and the government signed an agreement in 1993 wherein the latter assured clearance of compensation to all the affected villagers by 1996.
However, as expected, the government failed to keep its promise, it has been alleged.
In 2008, the villagers demanded the Government to sign fresh agreement but there was no positive response.
It has been alleged that even the expert review committee representing the government failed to take action in favour of the villagers.
Since, the villagers have now demanded the Government to take up all the necessary steps for re-settlement of the residents the ball is now in the court of the authorities.
If immediate action is not initiated, the issue is likely to snowball into complicated situation. The writing on the wall is clear enough and needs no further interpretation.
* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.