Youth’s Forum for Protection of Human Rights (YFPHR) on Tuesday expressed concern over the Manipur government’s alleged plan to set up POL Depot of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) in Kangchup Hills and urged the authorities to stop the construction process.
YFPHR learnt that the State Revenue Department published a gazette on October 26, 2022 stating that the Governor of Manipur issued an order to give on lease an area measuring 2.60 acres at Kangchup foothills, under Kharang Koireng village to Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited for 30 years, stated a release issued by its secretary, T Sadishkanta.
It lamented that the step to set up an oil depot at Kangchup foothills was allegedly taken without taking free, prior and informed consent of the community people. It urged the Government to withdraw the lease order at the earliest.
The forum was also informed that various local clubs, organisations and women associations had raised their concerns and opposed the proposed construction of the oil depot even before the government made an official notice regarding the matter, it stated.
It pointed out that the affected areas include a well maintained playground, club office, pond, market shed and some residential houses. It maintained that constructing such oil depots in residential areas needs a clear impact assessment which the government is allegedly lacking to fulfil.
It raised concern that the construction plan might be a threat to the right to life of the inhabitants of Kangchup foothills, Phayeng and others adjoining villages due to the owing conflict. It further noted that the other warring parties have used various mediums and opportunities as a weapon of conflict.
It mentioned the incident in Leimakhong wherein Kuki Militants allegedly deliberately contaminated the sources of water by blasting the power station and expressed apprehension that the same may take place in the proposed area as it is in the red zone.
It urged the state government to respect the rights of the people and to take their informed consent prior to any project or activities being implemented. It also appealed to conduct proper Environmental Impact Assessment, Human Rights Impact Assessment and Cumulative impact assessment before any project is taken up on residential areas.
