Mapithel Dam floods paddy fields
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 16 2015 :
Large tracts of paddy fields have been inundated on account of Mapithel Dam (Thoubal Multipurpose Project) .
Taking serious note of the adverse impacts of Mapithel Dam on the nearby villages and forest areas, a public meeting was held today at Khuman Chihui, Riha village.
The meeting was attended by villagers of Ramrei, Riha and Thoyee where MDAVO secretary Dominic Kashung, COHR chairperson Phulindro Konsam, Jiten Yumnam of CRA and social worker Wonmi Mungrei were also present.
Dominic Kashung said that villagers of Riha are fearing the worst as many new areas have been flooded in addition to large tracts of paddy fields already inundated.
Most of the paddy fields of Riha, Churches and playgrounds would be submerged in the next three weeks.
While their paddy fields have been inundated, Riha villagers have been struggling hard searching of alternative livelihoods, Dominic said.
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He accused the State Government of not giving any prior information about possible flooding in the upstream of the dam because of holding back river water.
He decried the silence of MLA Victor Keishing when Chief Minister O Ibobi stated on the floor of the House recently that compensation for 95 per cent of Chadong villagers had been paid.
He said that a written complaint would be lodged with the National Green Tribunal on Mapithel Dam.
The State Government using its machinery went ahead with Mapithel Dam construction without carrying out the mandatory assessment, Dominic alleged.
Wonmi demanded that Victor Keishing should come up with a clarification regarding loss of paddy fields in Riha village and surrounding areas.
Because of holding back river water by the dam, a number of grazing fields have also been flooded, said Jiten while condemning the Government"s apathy towards the affected people.
The way Mapithel Dam was constructed challenged many international laws as well as the Indian Constitution.
He demanded immediate release of water held up by the dam.
One villager said that 90 per cent of the paddy fields of Ramrei and 30 per cent of the paddy fields belonging to Riha villagers have been already inundated.
And now more and more areas are being flooded.
He also demanded immediate opening of the dam"s gates.