Imphal: Displaced families in Manipur’s Kamjong district have demanded the immediate demolition of the Mapithel Dam, accusing the state government of failing to uphold its promises to support those affected by its construction.
According to M. Ngaranmi, Chairman of the Mapithel Dam Affected Headman/Chiefs & Elders Organisation (MDAHCEO), the dam was built without the consent of the villagers. An 18-point agreement was made, in which authorities committed to providing relief to those displaced. However, Ngaranmi stated that none of these commitments have been honored, leading the organization to call for the dam’s removal.
The agreement included provisions for economic rehabilitation packages, with Rs 3 lakh promised to each family directly affected by the dam, based on a joint verification in 2022. Additionally, soft loans for long-term, sustainable projects were to be provided to these families as recommended by the district commissioner.
Despite repeated assurances, the villagers’ pleas have gone unanswered by officials, including the Chief Minister and other relevant authorities, Ngaranmi noted.
The Mapithel Dam, also known as the Maphou Dam, is part of the Thoubal Multipurpose Project, located on the Thoubal River. Officially inaugurated on December 27, 2020, the dam was intended to provide drinking water, generate 7.5 MW of hydroelectric power, and supply irrigation to thousands of hectares of land. While the dam has successfully provided drinking water, it has yet to produce any electricity.
