Preservation calls mark Rivers Day event
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 14 2014 : Calls for preservation of the Thoubal (Yangwui Kong) river, revision of the Thoubal river project (Mapithel Dam) and pledge to develop and protect natural resources of Manipur marked the International Rivers Day observance held today at Riha village of Mapithel Range in Ukhrul district.

The observance, followed by public consultation programme and a mass rally, was jointly organised by Mapithel Dam Affected Villagers' Organization, Citizens Concern for Dams and Development, Committee on the Protection of Natural Resources in Manipur and Centre for Research and Advocacy.

The observance aimed at noting and highlighting importance of rivers in sustaining life and health of the Earth was attended by communities affected by the ongoing construction of the Mapithel Dam component of the Thoubal Multipurpose Hydroelectric project and was addressed by various environmental activists.

Speaking at the event, CCDD co-convenor Aram Pamei elaborating on significance of rivers in sustaining life expressed concern at the increasing undertaking of large hydropower projects such as Mapithel dam, the 1500 MW Tipaimukh dam and several other dams in Manipur.

She outlined how present day generation inherited the rivers, forest and land from the forefather and not from the government, and how the present day generation need to shoulder the responsibility to safeguard and protect the natural resources from its exploitation by the government and profit mongering corporations.

CCDD secretary Joseph Hmar categorically conveying his reservation against increasing corporatisation and privatisation of land, river and other natural resources, particularly damming of rivers of Manipur and across the North East region, said damming industry has become a very profitable business whose benefits have been confined to the few corporate at the cost of the lives of indigenous people.

The necessity to take free prior and informed consent, to conduct social, environment impact assessment and to recognize communities' rights over land, forest and waters are being blatantly violated in pursuing such mega dam development in the region, he maintained.

According to Thanmi Rashung of Mapithel Dam Affected Villagers Organization welfare policies and projects that do not benefit the common masses for which the projects were taken up should be abandoned at the earliest.

He also stressed on the need for the policy makers to "Think globally and act locally" .

Representatives from different villages affected by Mapithel dam such as Riha, Thoyee, Chadong, Lamlai Khunou etc shared their views and experiences of the Thoubal River on their livelihood and culture.

A representative from Thoyee expressed the significance of Yangwui Kong River on people's survival, securing them self sufficiency while a Chadong villager expressed resentment towards the half hearted ERC of the government which has in due course of time created social divisions.

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