MDAVO again says no to Mapithel Dam
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 30 2016:
Strongly opposing the 'secret plan' of the Irrigation and Flood Control Department (IFCD), Government of Manipur to inaugurate Mapithel Dam project in the last part of November this year, the MDAVO has asserted that several key components are yet to be put in place.
In a statement, MDAVO said that key components such as irrigation canals, water supply components and hydro generation, etc are yet to be put in place and added that even the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is yet to confirm financing the water supply infrastructure.
On the other hand, the proposed dam has adversely affected the people, said the statement.
Moreover MDAVO alleged that the there is no rationality in inaugurating such a project which is mired in procedural and rights violations such as absence of RR plan, detailed impact assessments, flouting of the recommendations given by experts, illegitimate land acquisition of the tribals, absence of forest and environment clearance etc.
Citing the order of the National Green Tribunal which stopped the construction of the Maheshwar dam in Madhya Pradesh last year, MDAVO said that the proposed dam has also fallen short on all counts.
Instead of inaugurating the dam, IFCD should release the water from the dam to ensure free flow of Yangwui Kong/Thoubal river and stop submerging the homestead areas and grazing grounds of the cattle.
MDAVO also condemned the manner in which the communications from the PMO and Ministry of Power to the Government of Manipur, which urged to stop the commissioning of the proposed dam were kept under wraps.
The inauguration plan is also against the recommendations of the UN Special Rapporteur in 2009 and 2015, said MDAVO and added that the inauguration plan will be opposed tooth and nail.