MDAVO supports Mapithel downstream people's demand
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, August 09 2015 :
Mapithel Dam Affected Villagers Organisation (MDAVO) alleged that the ongoing problem faced by the downstream peoples is the result of absence of Detailed Impact Assessment (DIA) of the project.
In a statement, MDAVO Vice Chairman Themson Jajo said MDAVO has been demanding DIA since 2003.He pointed out that there has been no such DIA on socio-cultural, economy, livelihood, health, forest, river, water back and environment perspective for upper and downstream affected people and areas.
Themson Jajo slammed the State Government for not taking seismic precautionary measures as the Mapithel Valley range falls within the Seismic Zone 5 of India.
Moreover, downstream people have been living under fear of dam outburst any time due to Reservoir Induced Seismic (RIS) occurrence.
Jajo further pointed out that Relative Density Apparatus to determine density of cohesion-less soil used to filter media in the dam and Permeability Test Apparatus are not installed according to Auditor and Comptroller General as advised in 2004.Installation of these two apparatus is not reported till date, said the Vice Chairman.
It may be noted that the downstream people have been forced to lodge in relief camps located in higher level since July 23 fearing the outburst of dam with acute shortage of basic amenities.
MDAVO urged the Government to take up immediate measures so as to provide relief and fully endorsed the demands of the downstream people on seeking of an alternative livelihood arrangement for the villagers who have left their homes and hearths due to the construction of Dam.
MDAVO said it would extend full co-operation to the ongoing agitations launched by the downstream people in boycotting the dam construction works and demanding release of dam water before August 20 so as to make river water a free flow.
Meanwhile, on the occasion of World Indigenous Peoples' Day, MDAVO appealed the responsible authorities to adhere to the UN Declaration on Indigenous Peoples Rights 2007; stick to the Recommendation of World Commission on Dams, 2000 and UN Special Rapporteurs recommendation on Indigenous Peoples, 2008 in the construction of Mapithel Dam or Thoubal Multipurpose Project, Manipur.
MDAVO also informed that the proposed meeting of 44 affected villages of Ukhrul under Mapithel Dam Catchment Area Committee on August 10 has been rescheduled on August 11.However, time and venue would remain the same as set before.