Mapithel Dam: Chadong village remains under water
Source: Hueiyen News Service / H Devdutta
Imphal, June 27 2015 :
Chadong village of Ukhrul district has been left completely submerged in water released from Mapithel Dam which is also known as Thoubal Multipurpose Project since early this year.
People in the village are using canoes for transportation.
A small hanging bridge was the only means of communication for this village before.
But due to the high level of water released from the mega project the bridge has also been immersed under the water since mid June.
Leaders of United Committee Manipur (UCM) along with a team of media recently visited the site to oversee the grim situation faced by the villagers of Chadong.
A meeting was held between the team led by the UCM president Elangbam Johnson and the villagers of Chadong, including village chief Rugnaoyo during the trip.
It was revealed that water level was increasing day by day since mid June.
|
Chadong is inhabited by around 800 villagers.
The village chief told the UCM team that in the year 1993 an agreement was signed between the Government and the village authority.
The Government assured the villagers that by 1996 all compensations for the dam affected areas will be cleared.
He said if the Government fails to give the amount in time it owes an interest of 12% for the amount.
By the year 2003 Mapithel Dam Affected Village Organisation was formed and launched strike against the Government.
In the year 2008 people demanded the Government to sign fresh agreement, but it has failed to respond.
He also condemned the Government for its negligence shown to Chadong at such a time of untold suffering.
The Government also formed an 'expert review committee' represented by 20 Government Departments, he recounted.
Meetings were held for seven times but could not bring any resolution.
The people have demanded the Government to take up all the necessary actions for re-settlements.
Without giving any information to villagers who were under the Dam affected area, the Government started functioning of the Mapithel Dam from February 10 this year.
Rugnaoyo further said that until and unless the Government fulfills their demands the villagers would not leave home.
And if any unwanted incident happens the Government should own up the responsibility, he warned.
UCM president Elangbam Johnson expressed sadness over the current situation in the Chadong village and appealed to the Government to stop functioning of the dam.
Government has to take immediate necessary actions for the re-settlement of the villagers who are under the affected area, he demanded.