IMPHAL, August 8: A consultative meet on “Proposed Tipaimukh Hydroelectric Power project in Manipur” organized by United NGOs Mission Manipur was held today at the Manipur Press Club, Imphal.
The function started with a welcome address by Rev Dr Tamthing Ruivanao chairman of the United NGOs Misson Manipur (UNM-M), and the keynote address was delivered by U.Nobokishore singh secretary UNGM-M.
In the first session of the function, Dr Dhanabir Laishram gave a speech in which he spoke about land resources of Manipur in which mineral deposit of oil, uranium etc are available but yet to be explored. The main effects of the construction of Tipaimukh Hydroelectric Power project is the loss of forest land, villages etc.
He also added that precautionary measures and steps should be taken up to save the land loss. The needs of present generation should be met but not by jeopardizing the need of the future generation. He concluded his speech saying that people need to understand the power of value sharing.
Dr L Debabrata Roy convener CORE spoke on “Tipaimukh Dam Issue and Future Steps”. He said that the Tipaimukh dam project proposal is still pending upto date. He added that 24000 hectares of land will be lost so the Forest Advisory Committee strongly recommended to not go ahead but the political policy of the govt doesn’t show much concern to the upcoming problems. He also added that steps should be taken up urgently and discuss the harm and destruction more than development.
He also said that Manipur Forest dept gave approval to the proposal without giving any proper reason but chief conservator report said that all the Flora and Fauna will also get lost and no amount of compensation will be able to cover up the damage by the dam. He concluded by saying that the affected area, villages all every other should appeal to the forest, agriculture, donor, justice & empowerment and environment related govt authorities.
The function was also attended by Aram Panmei, president NWU. In her speech she said that she belongd to Tamenglong district and also witnessed many species of wildlife including tiger, elephant, migratory birds, etc which will also perish totally if the govt continues to take up this project. Their land, dependent resources will all lost and social life will go under water along the Tipaimukh dam.