IMPHAL, Mar 24: The Anal Naga Taangpi (ANTA) has organized a public rally against construction of Chakpi Multipurpose Project on March 23 at Chakpikarong Sub-Divisional Headquarters, Chandel District, Manipur.
According to a press release, the 78 high and 510 m long dam will submerged an estimated area of over 3568.78 hectares displacing several villages in Chakpikarong and Chandel effecting on general agricultural Jhum and wet arable land towards the east and north. It will also severely affect the socio-economy of the indigenous people with the loss of rich biodiversity, land, people and natural resources. Further, the proposed mega project does not comply with World Commission of Dams (WCD) and therefore violates the Environment Protection Acts besides causing grievous threat to life and natural equilibrium.
ANTA warns the government and concerned authority that the tribal body will be forced to resort to democratic means of agitations in order to protect and safeguard their land and resources if the government failed to cancel the project.
ANTA is also aggrieved and socked to learn that, Pallel to Chandel, Sugnu to Chakpikarong road condition is so bad that even the BRTF authorities are not in the position to repair and improve this road before the rainy season comes. ANTA further appeals that if the BRTF authorities are not in the position to repair and improve before the rainy season, then one time relaxation for repairing of these roads be given to state PWD in the larger interest of the general public added the release.