NGO protests Tipaimukh dam in Manipur

Imphal, Aug 2 (UNI) The Action Committee Against Tipaimukh Dam Project (ACTIP) of Manipur opposed the Tipaimukh Dam Project in the state and condemned the government's move to ''divide the people'' on the issue.

The government attempted to mislead and divide the public, specially the ''indigenous and tribal people'' of Manipur and Mizoram for the past more than a decade in order to sway public opinion and influence political decision makers, bureaucrats, district officials and some academicians so that it can gather support for the dam, it alleged.

Union Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, had told the house the Central Electricity Authority appraised the updated cost of Tipaimukh Hydro Electric Project (1500) MW) on December, 2004 Price Level, but found the project tariff to be economically unviable.

Ministry of Environment and Forest has given 1st and 2nd stage site clearance for the project. Environment impact Assessment, Environment Management Plan and Relief and Rehabilitation Scheme has been formulated by the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation.

Public Investment Board (PIB) had recently considered the proposal and observed that the project is not viable, but could be considered for support on larger socio-economic considerations.

If the dam is constructed the National Highways have to be diverted and the cost should be borne by the administrative departments, the PIB felt.

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