To the construction companies involved in Mapithel Dam-Thoubal Multi-Purpose Project
1. M/S Ansals Properties & Industries Ltd. (APIL) and
2. M/S Progressive Construction Ltd: (PCL)
We bring to your notice once again that the ongoing construction work at Mapithel Dam is in violation of the existing environmental norms prevailing in the country. According to the recent Comptroller & Audit General of Accounts (CAG) Performance Report ending April 2004 of Mapithel Dam, it has been strongly recommended that’ Environmental clearance may be obtained without further loss of time’. In accordance to the Environmental Protection Act of 1986 it is mandatory that EIA/EMP be prepared and an accompanying public hearing be conducted before any construction activity takes place. Already violations have taken place since 1990 when the construction work began without the above mandatory processes. For more than 15 years the villages under submergence zone have been requesting that processes be in place and that the free and prior, informed consent of the affected people precedes any construction work. Not only that the implementing agency (the Government of Manipur) has violated established norms but also has militarized the entire dam site which has jeopardized livelihood and brought insecurity and fear to the affected people.
The construction companies M/S Ansals Properties & Industries Ltd. (APIL) and M/S Progressive Construction Ltd. (PCL) are also party (with the government and security forces) to this violation of national norms, destruction of livelihood and creating fear to people. We urge in this open letter to the two companies to immediately cease their construction work until all due processes is cleared.
R. Kasar, Chairman, MDAVO
