Manipur observes International Rivers Day; pledges to strengthen efforts for free flow of rivers

Dimapur, March 14 (EMN): Kangoi Khullen and Kangoi Khunnou village authorities, Centre for Research and Advocacy (CRA) Manipur and Citizens Concern for Dams and Development (CCDD) on Saturday observed International Rivers Day on Saturday, with the theme

“Let the rivers flow free in Manipur” at Kangoi lrangpham, Tengnoupal district.
The day was observed with an aim to create awareness about the importance of rivers in sustaining lives of the communities and ecosystem in Manipur, an update received from the CRA said.

CRA President Sanaton Laishram, in his keynote address said that the day was observed to protect rivers from all forms of unsustainable development that are destroying rivers and ensure free flow of rivers in the state.

Stressing on the importance of rivers, land, forest and tradition, CCDD Co-Chairperson Aram Pamei expressed concern over destructive development practices that are harming livelihood and ecosystem.

She encouraged the people to rejuvenate age-old traditional practices for sustainable management of land and resources.

Environmental activist Thomson Jajo shared the adverse impacts of Mapithel dam which had destroyed agriculture land, forest and river and caused widespread displacement in Mapithel areas in Kamjong district.

“Dams are unsustainable and hence should not be encouraged,” he said.
Member of the All Tribal Women Organisation R Muikham also emphasised on the need to protect rivers and urged the communities to plant more trees.

CRA Secretary Jiten Yumnam said dams in Manipur like the Khuga dam, Khoupum dam and others are just lying without serving any purpose despite huge investment and scarifies have been made.

He urged the government to withdraw its plan to build more than thirty dams in Manipur.

The participants resolved to urge the government to ensure the free flow of rivers in Manipur and to stop plans for construction of hydropower projects such as Kangoi Dam over Sengvai river, 190 MW Pabram dam over Sengvai river, 66 MW Loktak downstream project over the Leimatak river and others .