CRAM expresses deep concern
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 19 2017: The Centre for Research and Advocacy Manipur (CRAM) has expressed concern over the continued push by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) for construction of the 66 MW Loktak Downstream Hydroelectric Project over Leimatak river .

A press release issued by the president of CRAM, stated that the push for the project by the NHPC is untimely and reflects a complete disregard of the sentiments and prolonged demands of the indigenous people of the State to review and decommission the Ithai barrage of 105 MW Loktak Multipurpose Hydroelectric Project due to the adverse impacts and suffering caused in the Loktak wetlands areas .

It also pointed out that the move of the NHPC is also despite the appraisal of the State's CM to the Prime Minister on August 2 this year as well as by the Governor earlier in September, to remove Ithai barrage due to its adverse impacts .

It claimed that the Loktak Project, instead of irrigating 50,000 hectares of agricultural lands, submerged a similar area of agricultural land, reducing Manipur to a food dependent State .

The NHPC, rather than assuming responsibility for the loss of land and livelihood and devastation of Loktak wetlands, only insisted on seeking more profits by constructing the Loktak Downstream Project and continues to remain unaccountable for the violations in the Loktak areas, it alleged .

CRAM further demanded the MoU signed between the State and NHPC on September 26, 2008 be revoked and for the State and Central Governments to initiate urgent steps to decommission Ithai barrage at the earliest.

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