NEDF concerned over FAC stand
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 07 2013:
Expressing concern over giving environment clearance by the Forest Advisory Committee to construction of controversial Tipaimukh dam, North East Dialogue Forum has opined that the committee must not have gone against the wish of the people of Manipur.
In a press release, the forum drew the attention of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, Governor Gurbachan Jagat and Chief Minister O Ibobi regarding halt in construction of Lower Suban Sri dam in Assam.
An expert committee of Gauhati University, Dibrugarh University and IIT Guwahati is strongly against the construction of the dam because of possible negative impact.
A committee of Assam Legislative Assembly also recommended to stop construction of Lower Suban Sri dam.
The press release further said that the people of Manipur have extremely suffered from the impact of Loktak project as more than 80,000 hectares of paddy fields are still under water and farmers.
Saying that Manipur needs 120 MW of electricity, the press release said that Loktak Project produces 100 MW.
Questioning where the electricity produced from Loktak Project has gone, the press release observed that poor people must not sacrifice their land, forest, mountains, rivers etc for the rich companies.
The forum also urged Government to review the decision of construction of Tipaimukh dam.