Imphal, June 14: Reiterating its stand against continued construction of Mapithel Dam, the Thoubal Multipurpose Project (Mapithel Dam) Downstream affected Area Committee has alleged such construction of dam to be an act of developmental aggression and militarisation, and urged the Government to put on hold the construction, that reportedly begun today till a complete review based on the recommendations of the World Commission of Dams, 2000 is being conducted.

The committee's secretary T Dewal in a statement maintained that a protest to this effect has been taken up in accordance with the resolution of mass meeting cum rally of affected villagers that took place on May 25 at Moirangpurel, Imphal East district.

Detailing the adverse effect of the dam construction, the statement said "blocking of Thoubal river has not only submerged agricultural land along the river in upstream portion but also created serious water scarcity to the downstream portion that covers villages such as Tumukhong, Itham, Moirangpurel, Laikhong, Saichang, Chaningpokpi, Bongyang, Bewlaland Morkon, Songphel, Molnom in Imphal East and Senapati district".

The highly polluted 'coffer' dam due to accumulated water which has been discharging toxic smell, is putting the lives of people and domestic animals in the areas at serious risk, it added.

Expressing apprehension on the possible break of the dam, Dewal asserted that Mapithel Dam lacks quality monitoring as unsuited earth, rocks and vegetation are being used in earth filling purpose.

He further asserted that the project was undertaken without preparing any alternative arrangements for the villagers in terms of environmental, cultural, social, health and economic impact and urged the Government to continue its stir until the committee's demands are met.

According to the statement, villagers residing in the downstream portion of Thoubal river today has stopped supplying local construction materials like sand, boulders, etc required for the dam construction and the affected villagers have also decided to abstain themselves from any construction works of Mapithel dam as a part of the agitation.

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