MDAHCEO calls for scrapping Mapithel dam
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 23 2024: Stating that the villagers whose houses were submerged by Mapithel Dam are facing lots of difficulties, Mapithel Dam Affected Headmen, Chiefs, Elders' Organisation (MDAHCEO) has urged for decommissioning of the dam within this week.

In a press meet held at Manipur Press Club here Friday, MDAHCEO chairman M Ngaranmi recounted that the survey of Mapithel Dam was conducted in 1972 and was then forcefully constructed by the government without taking the consent of the tribals residing in the area.

The villagers could not even protest with the government highlighting the need for the same.

In 2020, the dam was inaugurated with promises by consecutive chief ministers and ministers concerned from time to time that the dam would improve the lives of the affected villagers.

However, the dam has submerged all habitation, agriculture, horticulture', standing property and animal husbandry lands, putting the affected villagers in dire straits.

The dam needs to be demolished as soon as possible, he stressed.

Ngaranmi continued that on December 4, 2020, an 18-point agreement was signed, following which five percent was implemented but the remaining 95 per cent remains unfulfilled.

In Manipur, the double engine government has failed to start, he remarked and urged for decommissioning of the dam so that the villagers could continue to live life like before without lack of food or the need for government ration or scheme.

However, the villagers are now living as if they are being stirred on a hot frying pan.

Although repeated requests were made to the Water Resources minister, no action has been taken up till date.

Nonetheless, MDAHCEO will continue to air grievances to the chief minister.

If the CM does not listen, the same will be placed before the Governor and then to the union minister, and the PM.

If no action is taken up even then, the voices against the government would only grow more and more, he cautioned, while lamenting that the government has betrayed the trust of the tribals by denying them their rights.

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