Concern Over Plan To Cut Down 78 Lakh Trees

Imphal, Feb 17 : Anti-mega dam activists in Manipur expressed serious concern over the proposed plan to cut down 78 lakh trees and 27,000 bamboo groves that can cover half of Delhi, as part of the forest clearance process for the controversial 1500MW Tipaimukh hydroelectric project in the State.

“We’re seriously concerned about this as it would seriously undermine the livelihood, culture and tradition of indigenous people,” Aram Pamei, co-chairperson of the Citizens’ Concern for Dams and Development (CCDD) said over phone. “The continued insistence of the government for the dam is clear indication of complete disregard of the human rights of the people.”

On February 11, CCDD, along with representatives of Committee on Land and Natural Resources, Action Committee against Tipaimukh Dam, North East Dialogue Forum, Sinlung Indigenous People’s Human Rights Organisation and North East Dialogue Forum, had a review meeting here on the controversial Tipaimukh dam, planned to be built in southwestern part of Manipur bordering Mizoram.

Demanding the revocation of clearance by the Ministry of Environment and Forest, the meet also demanded revocation of the memorandum of understanding between the State, National Hydroelectric Project Corporation (NHPC) and Sutlej Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd (SJVN) signed “without the consent of the indigenous people”.

The project, which has been in the eye of controversies following opposition from Bangladesh, has received support from the Centre, which has promised not to take any steps that would adversely affect the neighbouring country.