YFPHR appeals Govt to forgo proposed construction of oil depot at Kangchup foothills
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 30 2024:
The Youth's Forum for Protection of Human Rights (YFPHR) has appealed to the State Government to withdraw the concerned lease order and forgo construction of POL Depot of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited at Kangchup foothills under Kharang Koireng village.
A statement issued by T Shadishkanta, secretary, YFPHR claimed that on October 26, 2022 the Revenue Department published a gazette that the Governor of Manipur issued an order to give on lease for 30 years an area measuring 2.60 acres at Kangchup foothills to Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited.
YFPHR maintained that as per their visit report, the various local clubs, organizations and women associations 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, added the YFPHR statement.
On the other hand, YFPHR also expressed serious concern that due to the ongoing conflict, the proposed oil depot will be a serious threat to the right to life of the inhabitant of Kangchup foothills, Phayeng and others adjoining villages.
Highlighting the use of various mediums and opportunities as a weapon of conflict YFPHR recalled the Leimakhong incident wherein Kuki militants allegedly contaminated the sources of water.
It expressed apprehension that the same may take place in the proposed area which is in the red zone.
Thus, YFPHR has urged the State Government to respect the rights of the peoples and to take the free, prior and informed consent of the community people before any project or activities is implemented.
In addition, YFPHR has raised the call to conduct proper environmental impact assessment, human rights impact assessment and cumulative impact assessment before any project is taken up in residential areas.