Illegal bitumen mixing plant sparks outrage
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 18 2025: The discovery of a bitumen mixing plant being constructed on a paddy held in Moidangpok has sparked outrage among the local villagers.

On Saturday, representatives of various clubs and Meira Paibi of the village visited the site of the under-construction plant which is allegedly carried out in violation of the Manipur Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland (MCPLW) Act 2014.Taking strong exception to the gross violation of the Act, the representatives have asked the party concerned to halt the illegal construction.

immediately, while also drawing the attention of the relevant departments to promptly address the matter.

According to a statement issued by Recent Youth Club, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) Against Polluting Factories/Industries in and around Moidangpok, New Keithelmanbi, and Moidangpok Khunou has consistently opposed establishment of any manufacturing units or industries in the paddy fields of the area.

The JAC had clearly expressed its stand during a press conference held on April 9, 2021 at Manipur Press Club, stating its commitment to protecting the land.

The JAC is currently pursuing the closure of all illegally operating industries in and around Moidangpok village through a PIL No 58 of 2021 filed in the High Court of Manipur.

Construction or establishment of pollution-causing industries in Moidangpok village and its surroundings is against the aspirations of the villagers, the Committee noted and warned that any company or individual disregarding these genuine concerns would face stringent actions.

On the other hand, the Committee urged all organisations concerned to refrain from placing any demands, whether in cash or kind, on the villagers of Moidangpok which, being a fringe area, has been under tremendous mental and financial strain since the onset of the current crisis.

"Any additional demands would only exacerbate the burden on the already struggling community," it added.

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