Dams, Rivers And Peoples : Serious Concerns Raised Convention says no to mega dams
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 17 2013 : A convention held today at Hotel Imphal here on the topic 'Dams, Rivers and Peoples' has resolved that no mega dams should be constructed in Manipur.

The convention was jointly organised by Committee on Natural Resources Protection in Manipur (CPNRM), Mapithel Dam Affected Villagers' Organisation (MDAVO), Citizens Concern for Dams and Development (CCDD), All Loktak Lake Areas Fishermen Union (ALLFU), Centre for Research and Advocacy (CRA), JAC on Protection of Hydrocarbon and Resources, Naga Women Union, Human Rights Initiative, Life Watch and JAC Against Chakpi Multipurpose Project.

The convention deliberated on such questions as for whose benefit is the Government planning to build mega dams, what would be the impacts of such dams on indigenous people etc.

The convention was jointly organised by the 10 organisations as part of the International Rivers Week (March 12-March 17) .

Convention on 'Dams, Rivers and Peoples'

The convention adopted a number of resolutions, the foremost being no mega dams should be constructed in Manipur.

Other resolutions included the demands for reviewing Loktak Multipurpose Project, decommissioning of the Ithai Barrage, repeal of the Manipur Loktak Lake Protection Act 2006, review of Mapithel Dam, revival of the Mapithel Dam Expert Review Committee, exposition of reports submitted by the committee, cancellation of all MoUs signed between Manipur Government and corporate bodies and revocation of the environment clearance given for Tipaimukh Dam in 2008 .

"Let Barak, Chakpi, Thoubal and Manipur rivers flow freely", "Explore alternative ways of generating power in place of building mega dams" were some other resolutions of the convention.

The other resolutions were in the form of demands like putting an end to militarisation of dam sites, implementation of the UN Declaration on Rights of Indigenous People 2007, compliance with the guidelines of the World Commission on Dams while exploiting any natural resources of Manipur, review of the adverse impacts caused by Loktak Project etc.

Along with these resolutions, the convention further decided to launch a series of agitation in pursuit of the same resolutions/demands.

The convention was graced by CCDD Chairperson Dr RK Ranjan, co-chairperson Aram Pamei and COHR convenor Phulindro Konsam.

MDAVO Thanmi Kashung said that construction of dams breeds social conflicts of different dimensions.

If the dams are mean for welfare of indigenous people, its impacts on natural resources, forests, habitation, cultures and social life should be studied in detail first, he asserted.

But dams are causing untold misery to a large section of people.

Many have been evicted often rendering them homeless while many others have been cut of their livelihood.

Close-knit social units are also separated asunder, he remarked.

Oinam Rajen of ALLFU said that out of the 105 MW installed capacity of Loktak Project, only 12 per cent are available to the State while 88 per cent are monopolised by NHPC.

On the other hand, around 80,000 hectares of agricultural land has been inundated by the project.

Again, many huts built on phumdis have been burnt down in the name of protection of Loktak lake.

It is not the fishermen who are destroying the lake but the Loktak Project.

Should Loktak lake be saved, Loktak Project must be decommissioned without any delay, Rajen asserted.