Hmar People’s Convention (HPC) today objected to the construction of the proposed 210-megawatt Tuivai hydro electric project in north eastern Mizoram.

In a press statement, the HPC said that a number of people would be adversely affected if the Tuivai dam is constructed.

“Villagers of Phuaibuang, Khawlian, Tlangnuam, Daido, Ngopa, N. E. Khawdungsei and Chiahpui situated along the Mizoram-Manipur river Tuivai would be severely affected as the wet rice cultivation and jhum areas of the villages would be submerged,” the statement said.

It said that the submergence of cultivation areas would adversely affect the villagers by depriving them of their main livelihood.

“The Mizo National Front (MNF) also intended to dam the river, but abandoned the project after we protested,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, the Science Teachers’ Association of Mizoram (STAM) also protested construction of hydro electricity projects by construction of dams in all the feasible rivers in the state.

The association proposed that only two or three proposed hydro projects, which can help not only in attaining self-sufficiency in energy, but also can be exported, should be implemented.

“The dams should be selected carefully to ensure that minimum damage to the environment and natural habitat of the wildlife,” the STAM leaders said.

Related Topics