NWUM objects to public hearing
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, July 28 2012:
Naga Women's Union, Manipur (NWUM) has expressed strong objection to the proposed public hearings to be conducted by Manipur Pollution Control Board in connection with the draft EIA on exploratory drilling and allied activities at Jiribam on July 30, at Purbung on August 8 and at Nungba on August 17 .
In a statement, NWUM observed that the move being made for obtaining environment clearance without consultation of the would be affected indigenous peoples and without providing basic documents such as detailed Project Reports, Contract Agreements and lack of transparency and accountability is objectionable.
Contending that petroleum exploration would be risky and dangerous for the innocent people living in Tamenglong, Churachandpur Districts and Jiribam Sub-Division of Imphal East District, the women's body said "We have seen the adverse impact of Oil spilt that had happened nearby in Changpang - Tssro, Wokha District of Nagaland.
The world has witnessed enough oil exploration and drilling related accidents.
This petroleum exploration will affect livelihood - the health of the people, land, rivers, animals, mammals, flora and fauna and forest, one of the richest biodiversity hot-spot of the world" .
"We are the stewards of our land and natural resources, which is God's given heritage to our people living in this part of the world.
We are the ones to protect and keep them for the future generations and not to give away to be destroyed forever", it added.