Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 14:
In line with the spirit of the International Day of Action Against Dams for Rivers Water and Life, a meeting held today in connection with the day at Kuki Inn has unanimously decided to oppose the construction of any mega dams in the North East region.
The meet, organised by the Action Committee Against Tipaimukh Project, after minutely discussing the issue, decided to oppose any plans to construct mega dams in the North East.
Other than this all those present also decided to urge the State or Central Governments to ensure that free and prior information is given to the people about any proposed project as well as to create awareness and to take the consent of the people before going ahead with any project.
Taking strong exception against the decision of the Manipur Pollution Control Board to organise the public hearing on Tipaimukh at Keimai on March 26, all those present at the meeting said that it makes no sense to hold the public hearing at a place which is not going to be affected by the dam.
On the proposed hearing scheduled to be held at Churachandpur on March 31 for verification, the meeting noted that there is no place such as Tipaimukh dam site.
As such the scheduled public hearing amounts to convening a hearing without mentioning the venue, the anti-dam lobby contended.
To protest such an agenda, ACTIP in collaboration with several other NGOs will stage a public rally at Imphal.
They will not be responsible for any eventuality arising out of the issue.