Mapithel Dam water gets stinky, cattle die
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 21 2015 : In a strange development, water released from Mapithel Dam through canals has become quite stinky and some cattle and dogs which drank the stinky water have died.

Moreover, some people who used water released from Mapithel Dam are now suffering from skin diseases.

On the other hand, people living in the downstream blocked the road leading to the dam site thereby preventing transportation of dam construction materials.

The Joint Action Committee for Mapithel Dam Downstream Affected People, Imphal East submitted memorandums to the Chief Minister twice seeking redressal of their grievances by August 20 but to no avail so far, said Y Thoiba, the JAC's chairman.

The road leading to the dam site being blocked; (right) people covering up their noses as they walk past the stinky water

Earlier, people living in the downstream used to earn their livelihood by quarrying sand, stones and fishing in Thoubal river.

However, after the water current was blocked by Mapithel Dam since January 10 this year, many families have been left without any source of income.

Now people have been facing extreme hardships as the Government has done nothing to provide alternative sources of livelihood to the dam affected people.

People are still apprehensive that the dam may collapse or get breached any time.

The Government should carry out a thorough assessment and in case it is established that there are certain risks, the Government should take up nece- ssary measures to re-settle the downstream people at a safe place.

Taking strong exception to the Government's total indifference, the aggrieved people have prohibited transportation of construction materials to the dam site from today, Thoiba said.

If the Government still refuses to listen to the woes of the people, the dam's gates would be opened using any means.

The affected people has adopted a collective decision to this effect.

It has been 15 days since the water released from the dam through canals became quite stinky.

Now people have stopped using the stinky water.

The stench is so strong that one finds it hard to go near the canals.

Some cattle and pet animals which drank water from the canals have died.

Moreover, some people who used the stinky water are now suffering from skin diseases, said JAC convenor Th Rabi.

Sudden blockage of the river current led to decomposition of foliage and many plants under water and this may be the reason for the water becoming stale and stinky, Rabi conjectured.

He also urged the relevant authorities to investigate into the causes of the stale and stinky water at the earliest.

Apart from Tumukhong, people of Moirangpurel and other adjoining villages have stopped using water released from the dam.

It is strange that the Government still refuses to take up any action when the downstream people are suffering such extreme difficulties, Rabi decried.