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“Crack in Thoubal dam posing threat”

IMPHAL: Manipur Assembly Deputy Speaker Thounaojam Shyamkumar has told reporters that the Mapithel earthen dam, under construction in Thoubal district, is posing a threat to the people, what with a 30-metre crack showing up.

The construction, started in 1980 at an estimated cost of Rs. 47.25 crore, was slated to be completed in 1987. But by late last year Rs 715.81 crore was spent and still the construction has not been completed.

One of the biggest earthen dams in the country, it will be 66 metres high and 107.4 metres long. It will generate 7.5 MW of electricity, provide 10 million gallons of drinking water and irrigate 33,449 hectares of land in the district.

Reacting to the Deputy Speaker’s statement, some junior engineers say the dam was not damaged and that the 30-metre crack on concrete reinforcement occurred due to “weathering and effects of gravity.” They also said tribals near the dam site were not allowing resumption of construction over the demand for land compensation.

There has been a stand-off between the government and the Mapithel Dam Affected Villagers Organisation.

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