PFA questions NHPC on Loktak
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 30 2023:
People for Animals (PFA) Manipur has sought information from National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) on an issue pertaining to the modernisation bid of Loktak Hydro Power Project under Right to Information Act, 2005 .
In the RTI filed virtually, PFA asked whether NHPC had consulted with the Loktak Development Authority and relevant authorities such as the Forest Department for modernising and renovating the Loktak power project, and if not then why ? .
PFA further asked if environment impact assessment was done before the Loktak power project was commissioned and any mitigation cost given to the State Government.
PFA sought a copy of the environment impact assessment report if the exercise was done.
In a statement signed by its managing trustee L Biswajeet Meetei, PFA said that the tenure of Loktak project ended on May 31 this year after being in service for 35 years.
Claiming that NHPC however has started working to extend the project by another 25 years without consulting any relevant authorities of the State, PFA said that majority of the people want Loktak project to be decommissioned as it seriously endangers and affects the habitats of wildlife including Sangai, the environment as well as people and their livelihoods.
PFA claimed that several fields, homesteads and farms have been submerged since the commissioning of Loktak project.
Continuing that NHPC wants to continue the project for another 25 years instead of focusing on saving the habitat of wildlife and Loktak itself, the PFA maintained that people are apprehensive of the development.
There were many issues mostly pertaining to environment assessment at the time of commissioning the Loktak project and the same thing is happening again now as NHPC has started preparing to extend the project by another 25 years without holding any consultation with LDA and Forest and Environment Department, PFA alleged.
Lauding LDA Chairman M Asnikumar and PCCF cum Chief Wildlife Warden S Chhabra for highlighting the lack of consultation with relevant departments on modernisation of Loktak power project at New Delhi recently, PFA said that they may launch an agitation against NHPC after they get the reply.