Calls for Free Flow Of Rivers and No Dams Over Rivers in Manipur
- 14th March, 2025 :: Centre for Research and Advocacy Manipur -

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Let the Thoubal River flow free in Manipur on 14 March 25

The Centre for Research and Advocacy Manipur and the Lingjel Leibi VLF, Nungbrung Ngamukhong and the Legal Aid Clinic, Nungbrung jointly organized the international Rivers day at Ngamukhong Nungbrung Village along the Thoubal River on 14 March 2025. The observation of the River day was attended by community members affected by the Mapithel dam in the downstream areas.

The observation of the international river day in Manipur is in the context of increased construction of large dams, viz, the Mapithel dam, 105 MW Loktak Hydroelectric Project, Dolaithaibi dam etc over the Rivers of Manipur, changing flow regime of rivers due to deforestation, increased rainfall due to climate change, besides increased pollution of Rivers and unregulated river bed sand and stone mining.

Ms. Ranjana Kangabam, President, Lingjel Leibi VLF, Nungbrung Ngamukhong, Imphal East district shared that the Thoubal River is source of livelihood of thousands of villagers along the Thoubal River. Thoubal River used to be abundant with fishes, snails and a major source of drinking water and irrigation. However, with the commissioning of Mapithel dam in 2015, villagers can no longer fish and rely on the river for their livelihood.

The Mapithel dam has severed the peoples’ relationship with the River. Villagers can no longer collect sand and stone from the Thoubal River, which is one of key livelihood activities. The water becomes highly polluted and people can no longer use the water due to water borne diseases. People are compelled to buy water for daily use.

Ms. Ibetombi Nameirakpam from Nungbrung village questioned if the Mapithel dam is really helping the people or causing more misery for the indigenous peoples in the downstream areas. The dam only unleash hardship and inconvenience on people. Women and young girls are increasingly subjected to violence as elders and parents are compelled to move outside village in search of work due to livelihood challenges. There is increased alcoholism among youths due to the loss of livelihood.

Mr. Tendenba Konthoujam, President, Legal Aid Clinic, Nungbrung shared that indigenous peoples’ suffering have worsened since the blockade of Thoubal River in 2015. The Government failed to provide alternative livelihood of affected peoples affected by the project. Thoubal River used to be abundant in fishes, snail and other aquatic species. The development processes pursued without assessing impacts on peoples & environment undermine the health of Thoubal River and communities’ relationship with River. Development process should respond to the needs of indigenous peoples.

Let the Thoubal River flow free in Manipur on 14 March 25

Mr. Nikhil Laishram, President of GoGreen Group, Manipur also expressed concern with the increased targeting of Rivers, forest and agriculture land for unsustainable projects. The Government need to rethink development processes and to consult and seek the consent of indigenous peoples of Manipur. Saving Rivers is defending Manipur.

The participants asserted call to recognize and uphold the unique role of Rivers in Manipur in sustaining the economy, culture, livelihood, and way of life of the indigenous peoples of Manipur. The participants asserted that rivers, forest and land is life for indigenous peoples and stressed for recognition of indigenous peoples rights over Rivers, forest and other natural resources.

The participants called upon the Government to rethink all unsustainable development processes affecting the health of rivers, forest and land and to stop building large dams over the Rivers of Manipur. The participants also stressed the importance of rejuvenating health of the Thoubal River and other rivers in Manipur the rightful participation of indigenous peoples.