Judgement of the National Green Tribunal regarding forest clearance to the Thoubal Multipurpose Project, Manipur, 26/02/2016

Judgement of the National Green Tribunal (Eastern Zone Bench, Kolkata) in the matter of Themrei Tuithung - Thoyee Village, Ukhrul District, Manipur & Others Vs Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of Manipur, Irrigation and Flood Control Department - Government of Manipur, Ministry of Tribal Affairs dated 26/02/2016 regarding forest clearance granted by the State Government of Manipur in January, 2014 to the Thoubal Multipurpose Project proposed at the tri-junction of Ukhrul, Senapati and Thoubal districts of Manipur which would lead to diversion of 595 hectares of forest land. The Applicants are agriculturists and forest dependent people depending upon the agriculture lands located along the Thoubal River (Yangwui Kong) in Mapithel valley as well as upon the forest in Mapithel Range for their livelihood and survival.

Appeal stands dismissed. NGT in its Judgement states that "as the project has commenced since 1980 when Forest Rights Act 2006 was not born and Agreed Terms and Conditions have already been signed and Rehabilitation and Resettlement packages have been provided to the affected people, the FR Act should not come as a hindrance at this stage and as observed by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, this should be an exception as 80% of the construction is over."

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