Biren govt to press Centre to decommission Loktak project

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 1

Power minister Th. Bishwajit Singh has said state government will apprise the Prime Minister of India on the grievances faced by the people due to Loktak project.

Bishwajit was responding to queries of media persons on the sideline of the inauguration of a bailey bridge in Saikul today, with regards to demand from various angle to decommission the Loktak hydroelectric project of the national hydroelectric power corporation (NHPC).

Further in his response, Bishwajit said the state government is seriously discussing on the merits and demerits of the NHPC’s Loktak project and found the grievances raised by the people genuine.

Although acknowledging the area submerged by the project, the minister informed that the state government cannot act alone on the matter as the project was commissioned after due agreement with the Centre.

Nevertheless, Bishwajit assured that the state government will urge the Centre to decommission the project citing the impact on the environment and futility of the project as assured.

“We are seriously discussing on the grievances raised by the people on the harm done by the Loktak project. Soon a decision will be taken by convening all political party meet or by state cabinet in favour of the people and the same will be sent in the form of written representation to the Prime Minister”, said Bishwajit.

He further revealed that the Governor of Manipur has also sent a written intimation to the Prime Minister of India highlighting the grievances of the people.

Clarifying on the objection raised by civil bodies on oil exploration in the state, he said the present government has no intention to exploit the resources of the people but to serve its people.

As a responsible government we are open to any suggestions and opinions of experts with regards to the matter rather than spreading criticism through social networking sites, he rued.

“The government’s door is always open for discussion on the merits and demerits on the initiative of the government on oil exploration. If the possible outcome is against the interest of the people the government will be happy to act accordingly”, maintained Bishwajit.