The signing of MoU for the four power projects, namely the 60 MW Irang HEP, 51 MW Tuivai HEP, the 67 MW Khongnem Chakha and 190 MW Pabram HEP projects in Tamenglong, Churachandpur and Senapati districts, as part of the larger dam building plans over rivers of Manipur under the Manipur Hydroelectric Power Policy, 2012 is another attempt of the Government to create further destruction of people’s livelihood and survival sources in Manipur, the statement said.
It added that the plan to build these dams is a fraught with absence of consultation and prior consent of communities to be affected by such mega dam projects. The Ithai Barrage of Loktak Multipurpose Hydroelectric Project already devastated the Loktak Wetlands ecosystem and destroyed the livelihood sources of fisherfolk and farmers of Manipur by submerging more than 80,000 acres of farmland. The ongoing Mapithel dam construction will destroy more than 1000 hectares of agriculture land and forest in Mapithel hill range. The proposed 1500 MW Tipaimukh Dam will also submerge more than 27,000 hectares of forest land, while displacing several thousands of communities, the statement asserted.
The Government’s exclusionary move and decision to promote mega dams all over Manipur without consulting the indigenous communities is a violation of indigenous peoples’ rights as outlined by UN Declaration on the Rights of indigenous peoples. The community have not been provided the necessary information on the proposed plans.
The statement demanded that the MoU signed between Government of Manipur and NEEPCO for four mega dam projects in Manipur on August 28 should be repealed. with communities already resorting to widespread use of solar energy in Manipur, it is a high time that the promotion of alternative energy is seriously promoted by the Government of Manipur rather than promoting unsustainable mega dam projects.
Source: The Sangai Express
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