International Rivers Day observed in Noney, Churachandpur
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, March 14 2022:
Centre for Research and Advocacy (CRA), Manipur and Nungleiband village Authority jointly observed International Rivers Day on the theme "Let us Protect our Rivers for Sustainable Development" at Nungleiband Village in Noney district on Monday.
Speaking on the occasion, JN University associate professor Dr Amarjit shared that construction of large dams caused Social division within the affected communities.
Dam building fosters corruptive practices and unleashes poverty among affected communities, he asserted, while adding that the compensation provided can never make up for the loss of land and inter-generational relationship with land and rivers.
"Our rivers and land cannot be considered as source of corporate profit," he remarked.
CRA secretary Jiten Yumnam stressed the importance of river in sustaining the livelihood and cultures of indigenous peoples of Manipur.
Rivers provide water, fish, sand and stone and sustain indigenous agriculture and also connect the communities.
Protecting the forest, land and fostering a sustainable development is the key to protect our rivers, he maintained.
Meanwhile, Nungleiband Village Authority member Namshadai Kamei expressed concern over the plan to build the 70 MW Nungleiband dam and the 66 MW Loktak Downstream Hydro project over Leimatak river.
The detailed assessment of the impact of the proposed dams over Leimatak River has not been made public, he lamented.
Environmentalist Themson Jajo shared that people affected by Mapithel dam realised the impor tance of Thoubal River after construction of the Mapithel reservoir.
The people settling along Leimatak river should learn from the experience of people who have already lost their land and livelihood due to Mapithel dam, Loktak hydro project, Khuga dam, Khoupum dam, etc., he stressed.
The participants affirmed protection of the rivers and to ensure unhindered flow of all rivers in Manipur and also demanded the government for revoking all MoUs planned to build large dams.
The international financial institutions should stop financing dams like Loktak downstream project in Manipur, they added.
Churachandpur Rural Women Upliftment Society (RWUS), Hmar Students' Association (HAS) Saidan Unit, Saidan Green Village Committee and Save Wildlife Foundation also jointly observed the 25th edition of International Day of Action for Rivers on Monday.
The observance held under the theme 'Saidan Rivers, Churachandpur, Rights for Rivers - Protect Waterways', featured discussions on the topic as well as clearing of Saidan river, Khuga river and its catchment areas along with surrounding forest areas by volunteers.
Sinlung Royal Riders (SRR) and Eimi Riders Manipur (ERM) also took part in the observance among others.
Participants were provided T-shirt, mask, glove, mineral drinking water and light refreshment.