Mapithel dam water level rises
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 22 2016:
The water level at Mapithel dam has climbed tremendously in the last few days owing to heavy rain in the last few days.
Headmen of four affected villages viz.
Chadong, Ramrei, Riha and Thoyee on May 9, submitted a memorandum to the Chairman, ADC, Ukhrul for detailed assessment of moveable and immovable standing properties that had been damaged by the Mapithel dam water in 2015.The same was forwarded to the DC, Ukhrul urging adoption of measures before the monsoon rains.
However, no response has been received on the matter.
Mapithel Dam Affected Villagers' Organisation has expressed serious concern over rising level of dam water and the indifferent attitude of the State authorities.
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They have demanded the release of dam water to its lowest level until the mandatory assessment of moveable and immovable standing properties that were damaged by the dam water in 2015 are carried out.
MDAVO said that the project should not be commissioned unless necessary assessment of standing properties, river and its beds, affected land areas which have not been surveyed, finalization of R&R matters ensuring the means of livelihood for the affected people, recognition of rights of the affected communities over their land, forest and river, rectification of Memorandum of Agreed Terms and Conditions of 1993 and justification for violations of National Green laws and High Courts Stay Order are done and settled amicably.
MDAVO alleged that force blocking of Thoubal river to accelerate the project is quite irrational in the fact that no irrigation canal lines are laid to reach the potential area, no water pipelines installed for supplying drinking water to Imphal town, no Catchment Area Treatment Plan and compensatory afforestation have been implemented and no project downstream impact assessment has been conducted.
MDAVO has further questioned whether the proj-ect model and inputs of 1970s used in the Mapithel project are feasible after 46 years.