The Hindu : National : Anti-dam activists call for strike

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Friday, Dec 15, 2006
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National

Anti-dam activists call for strike

Correspondent

IMPHAL: Heavy Industries Minister Santosh Mohan Dev and Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde will lay the foundation stones for the controversial Tipaimukh dam and the Loktak Downstream project here on Saturday.

Ahead of the function, a 24-hour general strike, beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday, has been called by the Zeliangrong Union, the Action Against Tipaimukh (ACTIP) and the Citizens' Concern for Dam and Development.

The dam is to be constructed at the trijunction of Mizoram, Assam and Manipur. Assam stands to gain since the recurring floods in the Barak Valley will be controlled and vast areas will be irrigated.

On the other hand, over 300 sq. km. will be submerged in Manipur.

Anti-dam activists say that rare flora and fauna in Manipur will be destroyed for ever. However, some groups, including the Senior Citizens' Group, have extended support to the dam saying that since Manipur will get 10 per cent of the 1,500 MW to be generated, free of cost, it will mean a lot to the power-starved State.

The State Government has strengthened security to ensure that there is no disturbance to the official function.

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