Source: Manipur Mail
Imphal, January 28:
The Convenor Committee Against Tipaimuk Dam today said it is a positive step that Nungba Sub-Division Village Authority Council (NSDVAC) is formed though we are not aware of its formation and existence.
It will help all of us particularly the people of Tamenglong District study carefully the proposed Tipaimukh Dam and debate the pros and cons of the dam and understand.
In response to the press release of the Nungba Sub-Division Village Authority Council dated 26th January, 2003 it questioned the wisdom of the leadership of the council.
Are you sure that the proposed Tipaimukh Dam is the long cherished dream of the People of Tamenglong District, the Dam is not taken up for many long 20 years because of the protests from the different sections of people and many people of Manipur are not aware of the negative impacts of the dam till today.
Therefore, it is wrong to say that the dam is the long cherished dream of the people of Manipur.
The area of land to be submerged is all not inaccessible but the natural resources of the area have been using by the people from time immemorial and as such there is no land as inaccessible in Tamenglong District.
Each Village has its own area of land which is God's tree given gifts to the people.
They are valuable to the people and the land is fertile and productive.
It is made clear that the purpose of the dam has no provision for supply of drinking water and irrigation from the dam to the people of the Tamenglong District but to generate power and flood control in Cachar Valley.
The dam instead of bringing development and boosting tourism will destroy the Barak waterfalls and Zeilat lakes which are connected with the history and culture of the people.
Moreover there will be diversion of NH 53 which will isolate a number of villages and thousand of people in particular not to be misled by the statement of the so called Nungba Sub-Division village authority council with their unrealistic dream.