MDAVO demands release of Mapithel dam water
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 05 2016 :
Riha Village, Ukhrul district, an affected vil-
lage of Mapithel dam observed the World Environment Day today
with an exhaustive environment awareness programme.
R Leishipem and KS David were the resource persons.
In
their speeches, emphasis was laid on the importance of mas-
sive tree plantation to raise forest and protection of wild
animals in order to conserve environment.
Meanwhile, Mapithel Dam Affected Villages Organisation
(MDAVO) expressed serious concern regarding wide dimen-
sional devastation of forest areas by the Mapithel dam water
last year which continues till date.
In connection with the observation of World Environment
Day, MDAVO said that the IFCD, GoM ought to take up
remedial measures to raise forest prior to submerging those
thousand hectares of low lying forest trees in the Mapithel
valley range as per the mandatory conditions laid down in the
Forest Conservation Act, 1980.
Further, MDAVO expressed that the state Govt. of
Manipur should not shy away from the responsibility of main-
taining ecological balance and proper assessment of forest and
environment impacts in taking up any development projects
like Mapithel dam to protect the world environment at large.
MDAVO also appealed the project proponent/State Govt.
of Manipur to release Mapithel dam water till its lowest level
to check submergence/devastation of more forest area until
mandatory measures such as compensatory afforestation are
taken up in line with the National Green Laws.