A Manipur State Level Convention on Dams, Rivers and Peoples was jointly organized by the Committee on Natural Resources Protection in Manipur, Mapithel Dam Affected Villagers Organization, Citizens Concern for Dams and Development, All Loktak Lake Areas Fishermen Union, Centre for Research and Advocacy Manipur, Naga Women Union, JAC Against Chakpi Multipurpose Project, Life Watch, Human Rights Initiative and the JAC on the Protection of Hydrocarbon and Resources at Hotel Imphal on 17 March 2013. The Convention is organized as the concluding activity of the week long International Rivers Day celebration in Manipur.
Dr. RK Ranjan, Chairperson of Citizens’ Concern for Dams and Development, Ms. Aram Pamei, Co-Chairperson, Citizens Concern for Dams and Development and Mr. Phulindro Konsam, Convenor of Committee on Human Rights, Manipur present the key resource inputs on the theme of the convention. Mr. Jiten Yumnam, Co-Convenor of the Committee on Natural Resources Protection in Manipur presented the key note address.
Mr. Thanmi Kashung, Advisor of the Mapithel Dam Affected Villagers Organization shared how the construction process of Mapithel Dam has infringed on human rights of communities along the Mapithel Valley. The Government of Manipur through its IFCD has divided the communities and insists on false verification of affected communities.
He also said there is policy absence for sustainable development in Manipur.
Mr. Oinam Rajen of All Loktak Lake Areas Fishermen Union shared on the inseparable survival dependence of communities in Loktak Lake. He said the Government of Manipur framed the Manipur Loktak Lake Protection Act, 2006 without the participation and consent of the people of Manipur and how the act has led to eviction of floating huts in Loktak Lake. Fisherfolk in Loktak Lake, who were affected by Loktak Multipurpose Project are now evicted by the new act in the name of protection of Loktak Lake. Despite the Gauhati High Court order to stop eviction in Loktak Lake, the Government has been insisting on more eviction and violations in Loktak Lake. The removal of floating huts and phumdis in the lake has led to loss of life in the lake.
Dr. RK Ranjan questioned who is actually benefiting from Mega projects in Manpur, such as Loktak Project and Tipaimukh dam. It’s high time to question whether the project is actually benefiting the people of Manipur. Mentioning a report of Government of India which states Manipur’s power deficit is only 5 MW in 2011, he questioned her questioned why Manipur Government is planning to build series of mega dams in Manpur such as Tipaimukh dam, Chakpi, Loktak Downstream which will generate much more the needs of Manipur? These projects not only will benefit outsiders but will destroy the ecology, people’s survival and future.
Ms. Aram Pamei shared on the possible impacts of the proposed Tipaimukh Dam in Tamenglong and Churachandpur districts of Manipur. She also shared how Bangladesh and India tried to find a compromise solution for Tipaimukh dam construction without the participation and consent of the people of Manipur.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/jac-against-chakpi-multipurpose-project/
