Adverse impact of Imphal Ring Road plan spelled out
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, January 15 2015:
Expressing concern on the ongoing plan of the government to construct the Imphal Ring Road with support from the Asian Development Bank, Irabot Foundation has pointed out that the Imphal Town Ring Road project will affect residential areas including prime agricultural land of more than 20 villages in Langjing, Langthabal, Kongba Makha Nandeibam Leikai, Khabam and Langol foothills in both Imphal East and West district.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Irabot Foundation observed that more than 200 families in Langthabal, Kongba Makha Nandeibam Leikai, Basikhong, etc will lose their agriculture lands primarily while another 66 families will be affected in Langjing near CRPF camp.
Saying that more than 800 families will also be affected in eight villages from Tharon to Lanthungching village along the Langol foothills due to the project, the statement made it clear that the ADB financed Imphal Town Ring Road should not be constructed without the consent of all affected communities and should not affect agriculture lands of the State.
The extensive agriculture land acquisition due to the proposed Imphal Ring Road will further undermine food sovereignty of Manipur and foster dependency of basic food sources from outside.
The Government of Manipur and the Asian Development Bank should provide all the necessary and related information on its Ring Road plan including the Detailed Project Report, environment and social impact assessment, rehabilitation and resettlement plan, the statement stated.