Appeal to stop construction of oil Depot in Kangchup Foothills
- January 30, 2024 :: Youth’s Forum for Protection of Human Rights (YFPHR) -
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Youth’s Forum for Protection of Human Rights (YFPHR) deeply concern over the planning of State Government of Manipur to set up POL Depot of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited without taking free, prior and informed consent of the community peoples.
We have learnt that, on 26th of October, 2022 the Revenue Department, Govt. of Manipur have published a gazette that the Governor of Manipur issued an order to give on lease for 30 yrs an area measuring 2.60
acres at Kangchup foothills, under Kharang Koireng village to Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited.
As per our visit report, we have been informed that the various local clubs, organizations & women association had raised their concerns and opposed the proposed construction of the oil depot even before
the government made an official notice regarding the matter.
The affected areas include a well maintained playground, club office, pond, market shed and some residential houses. Constructing such oil depot in residential area needs a clear impact assessment which
the government is lacking to fulfil.
Apart from the issue of affecting the community, we have serious concern that due to the ongoing conflict, the propose Oil depot will be a serious threat to the right to life of the inhabitant of the Kangchup
chingkhong, Phayeng & others adjoining village. It is important to note that during this ongoing conflict, the other warring party have used various mediums and opportunity as a weapon of conflict.
This has been witnessed in Leimakhong wherein Kuki Militants deliberately contaminated the sources of water by blasting the power station and the same may take place in the proposed area which is in the red zone.
Concerning the same we urge the State government to respect the rights of the Peoples and to take the free, prior and informed consent of the community people prior to any project or activities being implemented.
We further urge to conduct proper Environmental Impact Assessment, Human Rights Impact Assessment and Cumulative impact assessment before any project is taken up on residential areas.
As of now, we therefore would like to appeal the state Government of Manipur to withdraw the lease order at the earliest and stop constructing Oil Depot at Kangchup Chingkhong.
(T Shadishkanta)
Youth’s Forum For Protection Of Human Rights
Palace Compound West, Imphal East – 795001
* This info was provided by Youth’s Forum for Protection of Human Rights (YFPHR) who can be contacted at youthforum(DOT)humanrights(AT)gmail(DOT)com
This article was posted on 31 January 2024 .
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