Revelers throng Chadong dam affected area while villagers pray for future sustenance
Source: Hueiyen News Service / K Kopham Kanshouwa

Chadong, July 05 2015 : Impervious to the human tragedy caused by the construction of the Mapithel dam, dozens of insensitive persons with no fellow feelings have been landfalling at the submerged Chadong Village, Ukhrul District as if the area was a picnic spot.

The revelers are visiting the spot at a time when the heart broken villagers whose houses, granaries are submerged by the ingression dam waters are praying in Churches.

On Sunday, many of the visitors were seen coming with basketfuls of delicacies and watching the heart rendering scenes as if they were enjoying a Hollywood blockbuster.

Their livestock, pets, all worldly belongings face imminent loss apart from the houses and other constructions.

Chadong villagers on Sunday observed fasting and prayed at their Church and not far away the revelers were seen enjoying the man made human tragedy.

Revelers throng Chadong dam affected area while villagers pray for future sustenance

When the dam waters started flooding the village in January, its roads were also submerged and power connection was switched off.

The villagers were unhappy that no government officials, MLAs and Ministers visited them although they have been floundering for a long time.

They said that this may be the last Sunday they attend the Church by the villagers as the swirling water level is fast rising.

But the villagers bravely say that they shall stay put and will not go to the alternative accommodation unless their demands are granted by the government.

In view of the firming up the stand by the government on the issue, the ring of confidence is lacking in these brave words.

The villagers have been demanding to settle the issues through an expert review committee.

The government has not sent any representative since it is of the view that the villagers who had taken Rs 15 lakh each as compensation should leave so that there is no hampering of the dam works.

But the water level between Lamlai Khunnou and Chadong had increased to about 30 metres posing a grim threat to the villagers and livestock.

It was in bad taste that some persons have been indulging in merry makings of all sorts.

Hundreds of people visit the areas to see the artificial landscape created by the water body.

The revelers told some reporters that it is the most beautiful picnic spot now.

One of the stall owners said that almost the parking lots are full everyday and the "tourists" visit the area on Sundays and holidays mostly.

Many noted filmmakers come to the Chadong villages for filming documentary films.

Dam experts, human rights activists and civil organization leaders were found in the village to give awareness to the affected people and share the grievances.

On the other hand, some of the upstream villages like Riha, Thoiyee and Ramrei also in high alert after the water level has been found rising.

The villagers also claimed that the State Government still did not compensate for their private and community properties.