Chakpi in focus on International Rivers Day
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, March 12 2013: As in other parts of the world today, International River Day was also observed in Manipur today.

The main observance was held under the joint aegis of Committee Against Construction of Chakpi Multi Purpose Project, Partner Villager Development Forum and Chakpi Area Chief Association at Chakpikarong bazaar along with a public meeting cum mass protest rally.

Speaking at the public meeting, Samir Mehta, Director of International River's Network South Asia, categorically stated that Government of India has never fulfilled the promises given for rehabilitations of the dam-affected villagers.

"The authorities tempt the innocent would-be affected villagers with various promises at the time of the construction of the dams.

But these promises were never fulfilled, rather the fundamental rights of the people are curtailed", Samir Mehta maintained.

Chakpi in focus on International Rivers Day

Comparing rivers in a State to the veins running inside the body of a human being, Samir Mehta observed that just as human body faces health problems if the veins in the body are blocked, people and other living organisms depending on the river would be effected if the natural flow of the river is disturbed by constructing Dams over it.

Dr RK Ranjan, Convener of Citizens Concern for Dams and Development, who was present and spoke as a resource person, stated that destroying of natural environment in the name of development is a big crime committed against humanity.

He asserted that the present leaders in Manipur are carrying out works at their own discretion without considering the consequences on the people and the environment.

Instead of discussing the impact of constructing the dam over Chakpi River, the Government has decided to went ahead with construction of the dam by just giving some promises of providing certain rehabilitations schemes to the affected people.

No geological investigation has also been done in the proposed site for construction of the dam; he pointed out, and added that with disturbance in the natural look of Chakpi River, the food security of the indigenous people would be destroyed forever.

Aram Pamei, President of Naga Women's Association, also spoke on the occasion as a resource person.

At the end of the public meeting and the mass protest rally, a number of resolutions were also adopted.

The resolutions noted that the proposed dam is anti-people as it would deprive the rights of the indigenous people and it would completely destroy the plants and animals life.

Furthermore, the resolutions noted that employment of 26064 workers from outside would affect the indigenous people of the area.