Concern over ADB financed Imphal Town Ring Road
26th February 2020
Langol Hills and settlement affected by ADB ring road Imphal
The Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur (CRA), would like to express our concern that the Government of Manipur is preparing to resume the construction of the Imphal Town Ring Road to be financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The efforts of ADB to finance the project even meeting with Chief Minister of Manipur earlier in January 2020 has been a matter of concern.
CRA would like to recall that the ADB financed Imphal Town Ring Road, initially pursued several years back in 2015 has been delayed substantially after several communities affected by the project road, such as in Langthabal, Patsoi, Langol, Kongba area in Imphal West District, Manipur etc objected to the road project due to myriad social and environmental impacts, failure to consult and take consent of affected communities, improper surveys of impacts and also due to lack of holistic plan for rehabilitation and resettlement for affected communities.
The Imphal Ring Road Project will lead to widespread displacement, loss of livelihood and impoverishment of communities.
The renewed efforts to resume the project in January 2020 by the Government and ADB has been marred with lack of clarity if ever the project authorities had considered and addressed the issues and concerns raised, including alternatives offered by affected communities to recognize their rights.
CRA would like to urge the Government of Manipur and ADB to provide all information related to the Imphal Ring Road project, viz. Detailed Project Report, Impact Assessment, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Plan for affected communities. There should be no forceful displacement of affected communities, no forceful acquisition of community land for the project. The Government should consider the indebtness and other impacts of loan financings for infrastructure projects in Manipur.
The right to free, prior and informed consent of affected indigenous communities should be taken before resuming the project. The ADB should strictly apply and implement its safeguard policy to mitigate any adverse social and environment impacts and to ensure respect of the rights of all affected communities and to ensure accountability of corporations and ADB involved in the project.
The Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur maintains that development processes rooted in communities’ rights and role, environmental integrity and accountability of all development stakeholders, including financiers like ADB can only lead to sustainable development in Manipur.
Settlement at Kongba affected by ADB ring road Imphal
(Sanaton Laishram)
Centre For Research And Advocacy, Manipur
Paona Bazar, Imphal Manipur India 795001
www.cramanipur.wordpress.com
* This Press Release was sent to e-pao.net by CRA Manipur who can be contacted at cra(DOT)manipur(AT)gmail(DOT)com
This Press Release was posted on 27th February 2020
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