International Rivers Day observed across State
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 14 2016:
International Rivers Day was observed today across the State by various organisations.
The Mapithel Dam Affected Villagers Organization (MDAVO), Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur and Human Rights Initiative organized an observation of the International Rivers Day at Chadong Village, Ukhrul district today along the Thoubal River, which is now converted into a reservoir of the Thoubal Multipurpose Hydroelectric Project.
According to a statement, the observation at Chadong village is part of the three day observance programme of the International Rivers day, organized with the theme, "Protection of River, Agriculture Land and Natural Resources of Manipur".
A community meet on protection of Barak River will also be held at L Pabram village in Tamenglong district on March 15 and 16 as part of the three-day commemoration, with a theme "Protection of Barak River" .
The observance programme today at Chadong village was marked with protest meet and sharing from key representatives of Mapithel Dam Affected Villagers Organization, Chadong Village Authority and several other environmental and human rights organizations.
Dominic, Chairman, MDAVO highlighted how the project proponents of Mapithel dam submerged thousands of hectares of agriculture land, forest areas and grazing grounds from January 2015 onwards, leading to untold hardship on villagers.
The Government has failed to conduct holistic impact assessments, which led to controversial and divisive rehabilitation of affected communities.
Dominic stressed the need for addressing the rightful demands for justice and fair rehabilitation of all communities affected by Mapithel dam.
Jiten Yumnam, secretary, CRAM, shared how the key objectives of the observance of International Rivers day worldwide is rendered meaningless in Manipur with Barak River, Thoubal River and others already subjected to mega dams constructions, destroying the dependence of indigenous communities and high level of pollution and contamination, such as the Nambul River.
He said the human rights of indigenous communities and the impacts on environment; rich flora fauna and other cultural and natural heritage of Manipur are undermined and neglected.
He expressed concern that rivers, forest and other natural heritages of Manipur are destroyed to serve the profit and business interest of corporate bodies.
Phulindro, chairman, Committee on Human Rights explained the need to rejuvenate the health of Thoubal River and other rivers of Manipur and to promote the intrinsic relationship of indigenous communities with Thoubal River, which requires a full respect of the human rights.
A Brief protest meet was held urging the Government to address the multifaceted impacts of Mapithel dam, to review the Mapithel dam and to let the Thoubal River flow free, it added.
At the same time, Indigenous Perspectives, Innovative Youth Society, Centre for Organisation, Research and Education, Nambul Network, People's Resource Development Association, People for Animals, Blooming Manipur, Ekta Parishad, All Loktak Area Fishermen Union Manipur, Mangaal, River Bank, All Thanga People Welfare Association, Manipur Cycle Club, Sustain Act Foundation, Kanglei Online Traditional Heritage, Manipur Times have organised the International Rivers Day observance programme at Thong Nambolbi, the place where Naga River joins Nambul River, today.
Speaking at the occasion, ALAFUM vice-president Khwairakpam Deven strongly urged the Govt to set up water treatment plants for all rivers before they drain into Loktak lake so that the lake is saved from further pollution.
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