Body opposes extension of Loktak power project
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, December 03 2023:
People s Committee on Restoration of Loktak and Its Associated Wetlands Manipur (PCRLAWM) has opposed the 25 years extension given to Loktak Hydro Electric Project under National Hydro Power Corporation Limited (NHPCL).
Addressing a press meet at Manipur Press Club, PCRLAWM convener Soibam Tomba stated that the central and state governments in the name of welfare of the state had proposed Loktak Hydro Electric Project in 1967 with construction starting in 1974 and commissioning the same on 1983 .
The Project had a lifespan of 35 years which was completed in 2018 but was then extended for another five years and now it is proposed for further extension for another 25 years which they cannot accept, he stressed.
Claiming that during inception of the Project it was highlighted that it would benefit the people but till date nothing notable has been implemented, claimed S Tomba, while contending that the Project has adversely affected mdre than 100 villages and inundated thousands of acres of prime agriculture land and instead of benefiting people as promised.
He also demanded that Loktak Development Authority must inform public on measures it has taken for the conservation and development of Loktak Lake and the Forest Department come clean on steps it has carried out for protection of wildlife of Keibul Lamjao including Sangai.
S Tomba further announced that in view of the proposed extension to the Project a public meeting will be organised at Wapokpi on December 10 to discuss the issue and take resolutions for launching next form of protest over it .