Mapithel Dam construction work ; Stop work : Public meet
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 27 2015: A one day public discussion programme on construction of Mapithel Dam and blocking of Thoubal river flow has resolved that the authorities concerned should immediately stop any activity related with dam construction work until an amicable solution :s reached with the affected villages.

The gathering decided to launch non-cooperation movement together with civil society organizations from hills and valley in case the authorities concerned refuse to halt the dam construction work.

The second resolution said that the coffer dam built across Thoubal river should be opened immediately.

A dam conceived more than thirty years ago is outdated both in terms of the technology and requirements; and at the same time in this period there has been better understanding of dams and its impact along with related laws and policies, and therefore, this dam must be reviewed in its totality, along with the Expert Review Committee of Rehabilitation and Resettlement which the Government has committed in the past, reads the third resolution.

Among others, the public discussion programme organised by the Mapithel Dam Affected Villages Organization (MDAVO) was attended by representatives of Tangkhul Naga Long, Alf Tribal Students' Union Manipur, Tangkhul Shanao Long, Naga Women Union, Committee on Human Rights, and All Manipur United Clubs' Organization and Indigenous Perspectives.

In his key-note address, MDAVO advisor KS Thanmi said that intimidation and coercive tactics employed by the State Government to displace people affected by the project is a serious form of human rights violation.

Recently, the Government blocked the coffer dam.

As a result water level has been rising in the upstream thereby inundating farm lands.

This has landed all the affected people in a state of uncertainty and anxiety who are yet to be resettled and rehabilitated.

Thanmi alleged that relevant National and international laws have not been adhered to in constructing Mapithel Dam, Saying that altogether 44 villages, large tracts of agricultural land and forest areas would be affected by the dam, Thanmi called upon the Government not to sow seeds of division among the villagers just to secure some sorts of agreement which does not carry people's mandate.

The Hill Areas Committee was not taken into confidence before the dam was constructed.

There should be extensive assessment of all areas likely to be affected before the construction work was started, he asserted.

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