Bodies for probe into oil spillage, preventive measures
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 11 2024: While expressing serious concern over the discharge of toxic heavy fuel from the defunct Leimakhong power plant that has led to contamination of streams, Youth's Forum for Protection of Human Rights (YFPHR) and Centre for Research and Advocacy (CRA), Manipur have demanded investigation to ascertain causes and reasons for spillage from the power plant and punish all those involved, in case of any sabotage attempt, security lapses, etc.

In separate releases, YFPHR and CRA pointed out that the massive discharge of heavy fuel has led to contamination of Khanglapokpi Khong on the Makha Khong stream, having potential to contaminate the Nambul River, which the stream joins downstream.

The Khanglapokpi Khong (stream) is the source of water and meets household needs for Kanto Sa-bal, Leimakhong, Khurkhul and Loitang Khunou villages among others in Imphal West district.

The conspiracy angle cannot be ruled out as the discharge of heavy fuel from power plant took place amid stringent security measures and despite presence of military base close to the power plant, the bodies opined.

Since the beginning of the violence, water sources have been the target wherein water pipelines from Lophal village were destroyed S Phainom village by members of Kuki outfits which are bound by Suspension of Operation consequently affecting water supply to Thamnapokpi, Naransena, Phubala, etc., villages, the releases pointed.

The direct discharge of heavy fuel led to deposition of hazardous chemicals including dioxin, sulphur, nitrogen oxide and other toxic chemical sludge not only in the stream but also in the agriculture land in Khurkhul village, where the water has been diverted as temporary measures.

The deposition of oil sludge and toxic chemicals can cause longstanding health impacts on children, women and general population, if adequate measures and precautions are not initiated, they cautioned, while urging the state government to take effective measures for mitigating the environment and social impacts of the fuel discharge in the stream and in agricultural land in Kanto Sabal and Phumlou villages.

They also appealed to Water Resource Department to find an alternative means of water sources for the people and restore the water crisis in the area at the earliest.

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