Villagers unhappy with government's rehabilitation policy

Imphal, Dec 8 (UNI) The Mapithel Dam Affected Villages Organisation (MDAVO) today expressed indignation over Manipur Irrigation and Flood Control Department (IFCD)'s rehabilitation scheme on the Thoubal Multipurpose Project.

MDAVO chairman R Kasar said here that the government has violated the environmental norms near the project area, which has affected the the sentiments of the affected villagers.

The Thoubal Multipurpose Project was recently inspected by Irrigation minister N Biren.

In February 2004, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh had assured MDAVO to constitute an Expert Review Committee to address the problems being faced by the affected villagers.

Again on October three last, government representative Lalzawni had communicated to Mr Kasar about the government's review committee on Rehabilitation and Resettlement program pertaining to the affected villagers of the Mapithel area, where the dam had been constructed.

Again on November 20 the MDAVO had submitted a representation to expedite constitution of the review committee.

The MDAVO had alleged that the Mapithel dam was constructed without conducting a detailed Environmental Impact Assessment or the consent of the villagers, who were affected by the project.

UNI