Social activists, stakeholders highlight negative aspects of development processes in Khoupum area
Source: The Sangai Express

Tamenglong, August 01 2018: JuA community meet on "Protection on land and environment", organised by Khoupam Area Village Authority Council, Khoupam, Women Development organisation, Tamenglong and the Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur was held at Gaidimjang village yesterday.

The meet was held in the context of increased loss of indigenous peoples land and resources due to pursuance of unsustainable development processes and implications of worsening climate change, conveyed a press release issued by president Centre for Research & Advocacy Manipur.

During the meet, social activist Gunrei Kami shared how developmental processes in Khoupum and adjoining areas often mired in undemocratic practices with environment and social impacts.

The Khoupam area flanked by Leimatak river and Irang river is subjected to plans for Irang Dam, the Loktak Downstream hydro-electric project in addition to existing Khoupum dam, for road building by Keystone Company etc.

While, Abon Gonmei Gaidimjang Village alleged that the Keystone Company undertook road construction from Joujangtek to Rengpang through Khoupum with funding of North East Council without any appraisal of impacts and rehabilitation/resettlement plan for affected villagers.

The memorandum submitted to the company to consider the impacts and rehabilitation remains unheeded, Gonmei claimed while adding that the Government is unwilling to compensate for the land lost due to widening and dumping of excavated earth in cultivated land and forest.

Speaking on the community meet, Aram Pamei, co chairperson Citizens Concern for Dams and Development shared that Tamenglong and other parts of Manipur is located in very strategic location with abundant natural resources, including forest, water, agriculture land and countless minerals.

She alleged that indigenous people are stewards of the land and corporate bodies are forcefully trying to acquire people's land and resources without recognizing their rights and consent.

Companies insist on oil exploration, building mega hydel projects and roads & railway infrastructure without taking their consent, she further alleged.

Aram Pamei stressed that indigenous people need to understand the unsustainable nature of large development process and should protect their land and resources from adverse implications of such processes.

Jiten Yumnam, secretary Centre for Research and Advocacy Manipur claimed that the Khoupum Dam that failed to provide water for irrigation in Khoupum areas, despite its submergence of more than 200 acres is marred with inadequate compensation.

Meanwhile, Gaikamn Kamei of Namkanrong Part II Village shared that Khoupum dam remains useless with failed canals, submergence of vast areas of agriculture land and failing to provide water for double cropping.

Gaikamn stressed that it is high time that the dam is removed given its failure to serve its purpose and objectives.

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