Dam meet for revocation of EC
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 08, 2013:
A one-day consultative meet on the proposed Tipaimukh Hydro-electric Power Project in Manipur was organised by United NGO Mission, Manipur at Manipur Press Club today.
Amongst others, the consultative meet recommended the implementation of previous recommendations made by World Commission on Dams, UN Declaration on the rights of Indigenous people, ILO Convention No 169, United Nations Committee on the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination.
It also recommended the revocation of the Environmental Clearance sanctioned by the Ministry of Environment on Oct 24, 2008 and to turn back the NHPC from Manipur.
Conducting holistic impact assessment in the Barak River Upstream and Downstream is also among the recommendations.
U Nobokishwor Singh, Secretary of UNM-Manipur said that around 7.8 millions of flora would be submerged in water if the proposed Tipaimukh Hydro-electric Power Project ever comes up.
In an attempt to produce 1500 megawatt of power, 16 acres of forest land would be lost which as a whole would cause loss of 22,777.50 hectares of forest land alone in Manipur, he said.
Nobokishwor further said that the MoU signed among Manipur Government, NHPC and Sutlej Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd on April 28, 2010 and October 22, 2011 for the construction of Tipaimukh Dam should be reviewed.
Pointing out that the UN Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination made recommendation against the construction of dam without the prior consent of the people, U Nobokishwor said that deliberation on the likely impact on flora, fauna and forest land is pertinent before taking up such projects.
Dr Dhanabir Laishram; Dr L Debabrata Roy, convenor of CoRE; Aram Panmei, president of NWU; N Majabung; Dr Immanuel Varte and I Inao Singh have addressed the meet.
A panel discussion on proposed Tipaimukh Hydro -Electric Power Project was also held on the occasion.