Imphal, Jun 04: A one-day discussion session on the topic 'Review of Dams and Development in Manipur' was organised under the aegis of Citizens Concern for Dams and Development (CCDD) at Manipur Press Club here today.

CCDD chairperson Dr RK Ranjan chaired the sessions.

AMUCO advisor Dr Dhanabir Laishram moderated the first session held under the theme of 'Presentation of Impact of Dams and People's Response' and editor of Aja daily Valley Rose Hungyo moderated the second session on 'Discussion of Strategies for People's Response'.

Giving the key note address, CCDD member Thammi Kasung said the discussion session was organised to explore the existing trend and processes of introducing development, particularly dams and its impact on the people of Manipur and to review people's responses to the implication caused by dams and to further identify adequate response strategies.

During the first session, KS Honreikhui from Chadong village, Ukhrul district and Soprang from Louphoung village made presentations on the impact of Mapithel dam of the Thoubal Multipurpose Project on villages along Thoubal river in Ukhrul district.

The problems confronted by the villagers affected by Mapithel Dam as addressed by them include problem of displacement, violation of resettlement and rehabilitation agreement of 1993, absence of Environment Impact Assessment and the reliance by the project authority, the Irrigation and Flood Control Dept (IFCD) on the military to suppress democratic demands of the affected villagers for justice.

They also called for an immediate suspension of the project till a complete review of the Rehabilitation and Resettlement Plan of Mapithel Dam is conducted.

R Rangthang from Utonglok village presented on the possible impact of Dolaithabi Barrage being planned and constructed over the Iril river.

He highlighted the need for consultation and taking consent of the people and for an expert review of the project before undertaking the project.

Leikhosing of Chinglangmei village in Churachandpur district presented a paper on the impact of Khuga Dam and the problems of the Rehabilitation Settlement.

He also dwelled on the atrocities committed by the military on the affected villagers.

On the proposed Tipaimukh High Dam, CCDD co-chairperson Aram Pamei and Dr S Ibotombi, professor in the Department of Earth Sciences, MU detailed the impending threats to the survival and livelihood of the people of Manipur, submergence of prime agricultural land, cultural sites and other sources of livelihood, absence of Environment Impact Assessment, consultation with the people and the failure to respect the demands of the affected people in Tamenglong and Churachandpur district of Manipur and by the people of Bangladesh in downstream of Barak river for participation and consultation in the decision making process of the project.

Aram Pamei demanded that the Tipaimukh Dam should not be taken up till free prior and informed consent of all people affected by the project in upstream and downstream are taken.

S Joy of Loktak Project Affected Villagers' Action Committee presented his observation on the impact of Loktak Project on the people of Manipur and addressed the failure of the project authority to compensate and rehabilitate the affected villagers even after two decades of project commissioning.

Environmentalist Salam Rajesh deliberated on the environmental devastation of Loktak wetlands and its ecosystem by the Loktak project in Manipur after the creation of Ithai Barrage of the Project.

He also stressed on the need for a complete review of the project in consultation with the people.

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