Dimapur, March 18 (MExN): The impact of the controversial Tamanthi Dam, on the Chindwin River, in Myanmar is being discussed by Naga youth organizations of Myanmar. The construction of the dam was supposed to commence in 2007, but was kept in abeyance till 2011. No compensation has been paid to the displaced villagers, the NYO stated. It is estimated that with the completion of the dam, 53 Naga villages, 15 villages inhabited by both Naga and Kuki people and 14 Kuki villages will be permanently displaced. This will eventually displaced more than 100, 000 people.
The Naga Youth Organisation – Burma (NYO-B) erstwhile known as the Eastern Naga Youth Organisation (ENYO) on March 17 formed a forum called, “People’s Forum against Tamanthi Dam-Delhi”. The Forum will campaign against the initiative in the days to come to restore democracy and rights of the people. The main objectives of the NYO-B are not only for restoration of Democracy and Federalism in Burma but also to develop solidarity with other struggling nationalities in the region for democracy and human rights of the people among various struggling groups.
Naga Youth Organization – Burma (NYOB) organized a seminar to discuss the dam on March 17, at Nagaland House in New Delhi. The seminar was attended by various Naga organizations in Delhi including the Naga Scholars’ Association and Eastern Nagaland Students’ Union of Delhi. The seminar was organized to spread awareness among the Nagas and other citizens about the negative impact of the Tamanthi Dam construction at Homlin Township in the Naga areas, the NYO said in a press release today.
Nokho Nyekha, convener of Delhi-based People’s Forum against Tamanthi Dam, emphasized in her presentation the importance of a movement against the ‘anti-people initiative of the Governments of India and Burma.’ She presented the history of how the Naga Youth Organization of Burma was formed to raise issues concerning the people in that region where many people would be affected including the Nagas and Kuki among others.
Ke Jung, also delivered a discourse on the impact of Tamanthi Dam on the Nagas and Kuki. He has presented a detailed analysis of the negative impact about the construction of the Tamanthi Dam. The organization narrated the course of events that led to the dam being proposed for construction. In 2004, the Myanmar junta signed a memorandum of understanding with India’s National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) for development of the Tamanthi Dam. In 2006, NGO BANCA carried out Environment Impact Assessment and found that the dam would flood lands. In 2007, Leivomjang and Tazone villages were forcibly relocated from the dam site to Shwe Pye Aye 40 miles downriver; land was cleared and a housing compound was built for Indian company employees near Tazone, the NYO stated.
“Teak forest around dam site cleared by Tin Win logging company, Teak forest at relocation site cleared by Jewelry Luck Company. In 2008, a New MoU was signed between Burma’s Ministry of Power 1 and NHPC, stating that India’s Department of Hydropower Implementation (DHPI) will form a joint venture with NHPC to develop the Tamanthi Dam,” the NYO said in the press release.
The Tamanthi dam is 80 meters in height while the reservoir is 1400 sq. kms which is the size of Delhi. “The negative impact of the Dam is such that it will permanently displaced 45, 000 people. So far, 2400 has been already relocated at gun point. The government of India will spend $US 3 billion for the dam. It is expected that 80% of the power generation of about 1200 MW will go India while 20% will go Monywa Copper Mine, Sagaing division,” the NYO stated.
