CCDD workshop on projects
Source: Hueiyen News Service

THE CITIZENS Concern for Dams and Development today set off a three-day state level workshop on "Understanding Development Dynamics in Manipur: Development and Displacement" at Youth Hostel, Khuman Lampak, Imphal.

On the occasion, joint secretary, CCDD Jiten Yumnam said that before taking up a developmental project.

Government should consider twice the benefits and effects of the project to the general people and took their opinion.

Various projects which the state government is taking up have been causing many disturbance and disadvantages instead of benefits.

"These led to displacement of several families at the project site," he lamented.

The act of acquiring lands by the government has forced the indigenous people to loss their original habitats and government do not address the multifaceted concerns of affected peoples for their dignified survival.

During the workshop people affected by various projects also took part and shared their hardship experience caused by the projects.

Affected people by the Loktak Hydro Electric Project, Ithai Dam, Mapithel Dam, Khuga Dam, Airport expansion, Capitol Complex and Industrial Growth Center share their testimonies and resolved that they should not accept any projects of the government which do not address on the welfare of the people.

They said in a unanimous voiced, "We all have seen the result of Loktak Project and its effects to us.

So, we could not agree with the Mapithel and Tipaimukh dam projects.

They also said that, the present area of the Imphal Airport is about 600 sq km and this area is enough for upgrading it into international airport.

But, in the meantime, the state government is planning to displace and snatch the cultivating lands of the people nearby by acquiring more that 700 sq km in top of the present area.

CCDD organized the workshop to bring better understanding on the implications of the increasing trend of unsustainable developmental policies and practices taken up or planned by the Manipur government and to forge out a clear people oriented strategy for sustainable development.

It is known to all that the people of Manipur have been experiencing disastrous effects of development projects, which are insensitive and incompatible to the rights, wishes and needs of the people, a statement of the CCDD had also said.In the pretext of development, such projects forced them to sacrifice their belongings for national development, whose benefits do not reach them.

Displacement for them is not only change of residence, but uprooting their very life, it added.