Mass rally against commissioning of Mapithel Dam
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 08 2016:
A large number of villagers of Riha, Ukhrul took a protest rally against the commissioning of Mapithel Dam today.
Organised by Mapithel Dam Affected Villages Organisation(MDAVO), Dominic Kashung who is a chairman of MDAVO said that the organisation has been relentlessly campaigning against the construction of Mapithel Dam.
MDAVO has also urged to abide by the recommendation of the Expert Review Committee while executing the construction work.
The most worrying issue now is the announcement of commissioning the Mapithel Dam.
The dam has blocked the flow of Thoubal river and as a result large areas of agricultural land have been submerged and Chadong village has been completely inundated.
The project which aims to provide better power, irrigation and drinking water facilities has never actually worked towards its primary objectives., Dominic Kashung said.
Jiten Yumnam, secretary, Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur said that next to Loktak Hydroelectric Project, Mapithel Dam project has the most disastrous impact on the lives of the people.
"We know what happened to Khoupum Dam, Singda Dam and Khuga Dam.
The objectives of the projects contradict the results we have witnessed.
By commissioning Mapithel Dam, we will get to see another dam which will fail to serve its purposes," Jiten said.
A public meeting was also held which was also attended by Aram Pamei, chairperson, Naga Women's Union, Mani pur, Joseph Hmar, president, ATSUM and Phulindro Konsam, chairman, COHR.