Mapithel hydro-generating tunnel re-blocked, MDAVO condemns
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 11 2015:
The Mapithel Dam Affected Villagers Organisation (MDAVO) has condemned the sudden re-blocking of the hydro-generating tunnel of Mapithel dam/Thoubal Multipurpose Project causing water levels to rise in the last 2-3 days.
A statement issued by MDAVO chairman said the current re-blocking of the said tunnel is a contradictory to the letter dated 12th August 2015 which was submitted by the Chief Engineer, IFCD to the Ministry of Environment & Forest & CC Regional Office, Shillong, informing that the water in the Mapithel dam reservoir is being released through power conduit and water transmission line to keep the reservoir at lower level.
According to the EE, Dam Office, the water was released to enable cutting down of big trees that have dried up in the recent submergence.
The statement was however contradicted by other staff from the same department who expressed that the reservoir water was released to save dam diversion portion which was at a high risk of breaking in the first part of August this year.
Mapithel Dam Affected Villagers Organisation, in the statement, further contended that the blocking of the hydro-generation tunnel should be stopped immediately to ensure continuous release of water to the lowest point until and unless the pertinent Environment and Forest laws violation, the case which is pending before the National Green Tribunal (NGT), is settled coupled with assured safety measures for the people living in the downstream.