CRAM concerned

IMPHAL, Sep 5: The Centre for Research and Advocacy Manipur (CRAM) has expressed serious concern over the Power Purchasing Agreement (PPA) signed between the Government of Manipur and Loktak Downstream Hydroelectric Corporation Limited, a joint venture of National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Ltd (NHPC) and Manipur Government to construct the 66 MW Loktak Downstream Hydroelectric Project on September 1. NHPC envisages to utilize water discharged from the Loktak Project from its Leimatak Power Station for Loktak Downstream Project, which is against the interest of the people, said CRAM.
In a statement, it noted that the people of Manipur have been demanding authorities concerned to  decommission the Ithai Barrage of 105 MW Loktak Multipurpose Hydroelectric Project (Loktak project). The signing of PPA for Loktak Downstream Project is despite the appraisal of the Chief Minister to the Prime Minister on August 2, 2017 and also by the Governor  earlier in September 2017 to remove the Ithai Barrage of Loktak Project due to its impacts.
NHPC rather than assuming responsibility for the loss of land and livelihood of communities in Loktak wetland is seeking more profits by constructing Loktak Downstream Project, which will submerge forest and agriculture land along Leimatak River. The NHPC's Loktak Project instead of irrigating 50,000 hectares of agriculture land submerged similar areas of agricultural land and reduced Manipur to a food dependent State, said CRAM.
The price of energy from alternate sources other than hydropower has dropped drastically and indeed, the Government of Manipur for long had refused to sign the PPA for the project due to its high cost. Hydropower building is already redundant and the colossal resources to be invested in large dam building like Loktak Downstream Project could be better utilized to promote alternative energies like micro hydel and solar energies, that would minimize social and environmental impacts.
The construction of 66 MW Loktak Downstream Project is still premature and should be put on hold as the continued operation of 105 MW Loktak Multipurpose Hydroelectric Project will only complicate the woes and sufferings of the affected people. The MoU signed between the Government of Manipur and National Hydroelectric Power Corporation on 26 September 2008 should be revoked. The power purchasing agreement should be revoked. The Government of Manipur and Government of India should urgently initiate steps to decommission the Ithai Barrage of 105 MW Loktak Project, added CRAM.