PMC deplores decision to construct dam: Manipur CM

Imphal, Febuary 02: The Public Monitoring Committee, Tamenglong district, Manipur (PMC) deplored the memorandum of understanding between the Government of Manipur and North Eastern Electrical Power Corporation (NEEPCO) for the construction of 1500 Mega Watt Dam at Tipaimukh which tends to destroy the very fabric of life and co-existence involving Tamenglong district and its adjoining including Tipaimukh of Churachandpur district. Such a high power dam has been universally objectionable with reference to collapse of colossal dam at San Francisco in 1926. Smaller dams and projects are being encouraged rather than big dams which pose danger to life and properties. This committee also expressed anguish over the irresponsible perpetrated upon the innocent people by the public leaders/elected MPs/MLAs/ministers and their coteries/followers to have handed over the divine gift of life and sustenance just to control flood for the life of Barak Valley. Such leaders are destined to reap the fruit of their own irresponsible attitude towards their innocent and beloved people who looked upon them as their godfathers who would deliver the goods for their welfare. The past and present public leaders of the concern area are responsible for the said MoU which tends to upset the socio-economic and ecological balance thus helped NEEPCO to move ahead as desired at the cost of Zeliangrong people even as all the social organization have opposed the said Mega Dam. The people should not be taken for ransom for so long. This was issued by Phenri Romei, chairman of the Committee. Meanwhile Chief Minister O Ibobi today said during the peace rally that Malom that the issue is politicized. Those in the Churachandpur district where the dam will be constructed have not complained whereas those in Tamenglong are complaining. This is very unfortunate, he said.