Pros and cons of "Loktak Project" deliberated
Source: The Sangai Express

Bishnupur, July 23 2020: Leihou Khunnai Kanba Luptin (LKKL) organised a discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of the Loktak Hydro Electric Project at Loktak Maru Phubala on July 22 .

Representatives of Phubala GP including its Pradhan and Up- Pradhan; Meira Paibi organisation; Principal of Gandha English School, Phubala, Khoirom Sarat and president of LKKL, Puyam Joy attended the discussion programme as the presidium members.

Prof W Nabakumar (retd Faculty MU); Dr Mamta Lukram; Wangkheirakpam Ramananda, convenor Ngamee Lup Manipur; journalists, Salam Rajesh, Paojel Chaoba and Khangembam Shamungou Singh, Chairman Technical Committee, Manipur Wetland Authority also attended the discussion programme among others and spoke on the advantages and disadvantages of the power project, its aftermath and effects to the society and ecology.

Speaking at the occasion, LKKL's vice president, Somorendro Thokchom gave a brief history of how Loktak Multipurpose Hydroelectric Project was initiated in 1971 by the Ministry of Irrigation and Power, Government of India, before National Hydroelectric Power Corporation, NHPC took over the project in 1983.The project was initiated with aims of generating 105 MW to provide electricity to the whole of North East India and to provide irrigation facilities to around 24,000 hectares of farmlands around the Loktak Lake.

But sadly, the project has failed to meet both its objectives even after 37 years of its functioning, he said while alleging that the project only serves purpose only to some corporate and is otherwise far from its objective reality as the State people have not forgotten frequent power shutdowns and load-sheddings that happened a few years back.

Moreover, the Ithai Barrage which promised to irrigate 57,000 acres of land around itself, had left more that 80,000 acres of agriculture submerged underwater, leaving the farmers helpless, he continued while adding that canals which were dug over farmlands have failed to serve its purpose.

As the project has failed to realise its purposes, it should be decommissioned and at the same time Ithai Barrage should be removed, he suggested.

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