IMPHAL, September 30: The Mapithel Dam Affected Villages Organization (MDAVO) has expressed its strong objection and condemnation to the order issued by the Government of Manipur through the Irrigation and Food Control Department (IFCD) on September 17 for assessing impacts on standing properties for the villages of Chadong, Lamlai Khunou, Lamlai Khullen, Riha and Thawai village.
It said the order violates the directives of the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF), Government of India, Regional Office in Shillong to the Government of Manipur on August 23 and earlier on December 28, 2006.
A statement issued by R Sakhathan, Chairman MDAVO said the proposed survey plan will be another incomplete and futile exercise as the committee set up for the assessment comprises only the government officials noting that there is no involvement and participation of communities affected by Mapithel Dam and that the assessment plan is just a continuation of the ongoing piecemeal approach and violation by IFCD for rehabilitation.
“The proposed survey plan is also a clear cut violation of rights of indigenous peoples affected by Mapithel Dam and also a violation of the Gauhati High Court’s stay order of April 25, 2012,” it stated.
Further, the MDAVO requested the Government of Manipur to halt all temporary and piecemeal approach for impact assessments of Mapithel Dam and urged the government to conduct all forms of impact assessment for rehabilitation and resettlement through the officially instituted Expert Review Committee formed in 2008 of which carries the support and hope of all affected villagers.