Mega dams criticised
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 19 2014: A consultation programme on mega dams constructed/to be constructed in the North East region was held today at Manipur Press Club.

The consultation programme was jointly organised by the All Loktak Areas Fishermen Union, Mapithel Dam Affected Villagers Organisation and the Centre for Research and Advocacy Manipur.

The consultation programme deliberated on the mega dams constructed/being constructed in the North East region and their likely impacts on environment, ecology and other aspects of daily life.

People's Movement for Subansiri Valley secretary KK Chatradhara, MEADS Assam secretary Girin Chetia, Oinam Rajen of the All Loktak Lake Areas Fishermen Union and Rockson of the Mapithel Dam Affected Villagers' Organisation attended the consultation programme as presidium members.

Speaking at the consultation programme, Jiten Yumnam of the Centre for Research and Advocacy Manipur said that mega dams contribute enormously to climate change.

Submersion of vast tracts of forest land by mega dams breeds insurmountable negative impacts.

In spite of all these facts, the Government of India has been planning to construct around 200 mega dams in the North East region.

Necessary MoUs or formal agreements have been signed for construction of 150 mega dams in Arunachal Pradesh alone.

Amidst the vehement objection by the people against construction of Tipaimukh Dam, the State Government and NEEPCO have signed MoUs for construction of four new dams in Manipur.

In case the Government's plan to take up several hydro power projects in Manipur under the Hydro Power Policy 2012 and the Government of India's target to construct around 200 mega dams in the North East is not thwarted in time, vast tracts of the region's forest belts would be submerged under water for good, Jiten Yumnam said.

After minute deliberation, the consultation programme a adopted a number of resolution.

Cancellation of MoUs signed for construction of mega dams without free and prior consent of people, annulment of the Manipur Hydro Power Policy 2012 and all such policies, compliance with the recommendations of the World Commission on Dams and adherence to all UN Declarations adopted in connection with the rights of indigenous people were some of the key resolutions adopted at the gathering.

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