Imphal: The Manipur government has decided to terminate the long-pending 66 MW Loktak Downstream Hydroelectric Project and dissolve the Loktak Downstream Hydroelectric Corporation Limited (LDHCL), marking the end of a controversial venture that had drawn sustained opposition over its perceived environmental and social consequences.
The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh at the Cabinet Hall of the New Secretariat in Mantripukhri on Wednesday.
Sources said the project was scrapped after considering years of objections from residents, community groups and civil society organisations.
Concerns had been repeatedly raised over environmental damage, the loss of agricultural land due to submergence and doubts regarding the overall economic feasibility of the project.
The proposed hydropower project was planned on the Leimatak River across Tamenglong and Churachandpur districts and was expected to generate 66 MW of electricity.
It was being executed by the Loktak Downstream Hydroelectric Corporation Limited, a joint venture in which NHPC Ltd held a 74 per cent stake while the Manipur government owned the remaining 26 per cent.
In another key decision, the Cabinet approved stipends for foreign medical graduates undergoing internship training at the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) and Churachandpur Medical College. Officials said the interns would receive stipends equivalent to those provided to Indian medical graduates.
Speaking after the meeting, Chief Minister Khemchand said the Cabinet had reviewed a number of important policy issues and development-related proposals aimed at enhancing governance and public welfare in the state.
Chaired the State Cabinet Meeting at the Cabinet Hall, New Civil Secretariat, Mantripukhri, along with Hon'ble Cabinet Ministers.
We deliberated on key policy matters and strategic initiatives to strengthen governance, accelerate development, and advance the welfare of the… pic.twitter.com/cG9SMhQtW2
- Khemchand Yumnam (@YKhemchandSingh)
In a post on social media, he stated that the government had discussed major policy matters and strategic initiatives designed to strengthen governance, speed up development and promote the welfare of citizens.
He reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring transparent, accountable and people-oriented administration for the overall progress of Manipur.