MDAVO concerned
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 05 2016 :
Mapithel Dam Affected Villages' Organisation
(MDAVO) strongly felt that Manipur Govt should maintain sta-
tus quo on Mapithel dam/Thoubal multipurpose project.
In a statement, MDAVO said that Mapithel dam is being
constructed in violations of all National Green Laws including
Forest Rights (Recognition of ST & other traditional Forest
Dwellers Rights on Forest) Act, 2006.Against the claim of
the State, the circular of MoEF&CC, dated Aug 3, 2009 states
that "settlement of rights under FRA in case of Mapithel dam
has not begun yet."
MDAVO contended that, there has been no Environment
Clearance for Mapithel dam too.
Construction of dam was
started in 1980s, forest matter was put up to Forest Clearance
division only in 2005 after 25 years of illegal construction
which was returned too for want of detail information.
Further it said that inspite of mandatory consent to be
taken, no forest dwellers are aware about the details of the
proposed forest diversion, compensatory afforestation, forest
green belt around the dam, catchment area treatment plan.
It's a serious concern that there has been no scheduled tribe
and other traditional forest dwellers rights over their forest
have been dully recognized and safeguarded under the FRA,
2006, it said.
MDAVO claimed that adjudication of the im-
pending forest n environment issues are now reserved by the
NGT for final verdict.
In the meantime, state Govt requires to
support with evidence of consent of the forest dwellers with
all the mandatory formalities/procedures specifically on forest
matter other than the basis of compensation paid to few per-
sons.