Rally staged against Tipaimukh Dam
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 12, 2013:
Making their points loud and clear, a large number of people including students today staged a protest rally at Sekmaijin against Tipaimukh Dam and it was followed by a public meeting.
Meanwhile, even as the Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) of the Ministry of Environment and Forest has refused to give forest clearance for execution of Tipaimukh Project because the project would destroy priceless forests and eco-systems in Manipur, the FAC would be re-considering the proposal for clearance after an making assessment of the likely impacts of the project on the side of Mizoram on August 13 and 14. The protest rally was organised today to give a clear message to the FAC that people would never accept such mega dams in view of the fragile environment and eco-system of Manipur.
It is estimated that Tipaimukh dam would submerge 311 square Kms in Manipur.
The dam would affect 67 villages of Zeliangrong community and Hmar community located in Tamenglong and Churachandpur districts respectively.
Of the 311 sq Kms of land likely to be submerged by Tipaimukh Dam, 25,822,22 hectares are forest land while 1195 hectares are human settlements.
Again, 6160 hectares are fertile lands where horticulture plants are growing luxuriantly while 2525 hectares are agricultural land.
Construction of Tipaimukh Dam would submerge 7800,000 fully grown trees in addition to innumerable number of bamboo groves.
In terms of production and cost, four hectares of forest land would be destroyed for every Megawatt of power generated by Tipaimukh Project whose total installed capacity is estimated at 1500 MW.
Tipaimukh dam would produce adverse impacts on the environment and ecology, uproot the rich flora and fauna of the region in addition to curtailing livelihood of thousands of people.
For all these reasons, Tipaimukh Project and its 162.4 metres high earthen dam would be disastrous to the people of Manipur, asserted many speakers who addressed the gathering.
They suggested more numbers of environment friendly mini dams in place of mega dams.
The protest rally cum public meeting was jointly organised by Khelakhong to Sekmaijin Area People's Organisation, Hangoon Social Youth Action Committee, Sekmaijin Social Club, Sekmaijin Leikai Naharol Club, Ngakhapat Youth Development Association, Galaxy Club, Popular Club and Human Development Club, Sekmaijin.
Later, the organisers dispatched a memorandum to the Prime Minister, Union Home Minister, Ministry of Forest and Environment, Governor of Manipur and the Chief Minister of Manipur.
The memorandum highlighted non-payment of compensation to 30,000 households affected by Loktak Hydro Electric Project and also for 80,000 hectares of paddy fields inundated by the project.
It also pointed out that Sawleny, Darlown, New Vervek, Sailutar, Sakawrdai, Vaitin, Yambawng, Khawpuar, Suangpuilawm, Ratu, Phullen, NE Tlamgnum, Lungsum and Khawlek villages of Mizoram would be affected by Tipaimukh Project.
It also urged the FAC not to give forest clearance with regard to Mizoram as done in the case of Manipur.
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