Heirok opposes canal project
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 17 2013 :
Noting distressful situation suffered by the farmers, contrary to promises of reaping benefits, consequent to implementation of the Loktak Project, Heirok Loumee Kanba Lup demanded that the Government of Manipur scrap proposal to construct Heirok branch canal network from Thoubal Multi-purpose project (dam) .
According to Lup executive member T Manglem the proposed canal project would reduce several farmers of Heirok area to landless peasants as the project is supposed to be 100 feet wide and extend upto over 20 kilometres from the Thoubal dam site right through many fertile hectares of
paddy fields.
Pointing out that agricultural activities pose no major threat to the environment but instead support several hundred families along with upholding the cause for eradicating food de- pendency, the member affirmed that any project detrimental to interest of the farmers would be strongly opposed by the Lup.
Contrary to assurances that the Loktak Project would increase electricity generation, boost industrial development and land-owners affected by the project would be adequately compensated there is no sign of improvement in the power supply and farmers continue to endure severe hardships for they neither have land to sustain livelihood not were they satisfactorily compensated, Manglem stated.
observing that construction of the dam through vast tract of paddy cultivation area would have adverse impact on Manipur's food production capacity, he also reminded the State Government that a similar canal network from Thoubal Multi-purpose site till Lamding Cherapur via Yairipok has not been able to serve its purpose for over a decade.
Rather than benefit the farmers the earlier project has become a headache for the peasant community as frequent inundation of paddy fields is a common feature due to spilling of water from the ineffective canal in rainy season, Manglem informed while ridiculing the latest canal plan when an existing similar one cannot be properly maintained.
As acquisition of existing paddy fields is the only surety for the canal project rather than any prospect that the farmers would reap benefit the latest project cannot be accepted by the people of Heirok, he said and cautioned that intense agitation would be launched by the affected farmers if the Government goes ahead with the proposed canal project.