LOKTAK PROJECT AFFECTED AREA ACTION COMMITTEE & ORS Vs. NATIONAL HYDRO ELECTRIC POWER CORPORATION LTD & ORS

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This batch of cases are based on same facts and also involve same issues. On the request of the learned counsel appearing for the parties, all these cases were taken up for hearing together and are disposed of in this common judgment.

(2.) C.R.No.32 of 1994, being the first and lead case, submissions were made by the learned counsel appearing for the parties with reference to the said writ petition.

(3.) Before examining the issues involved in this writ petition, it is necessary to refer to a little background of the cases. The Manipur valley stretches over 900 sq miles of plain country lying at a general altitude of about 2500 ft. above sea level and is enveloped by high mountains rising to heights of the over 8000 ft. It is bisected by the Manipur River, flowing from North to South which is the only drainage outlet from the whole valley. A series of natural lakes have been formed on either side of the Manipur river towards southern end of the valley. The formation of these lakes has largely been influenced by the existence of a rocky barrier across the Manipur river channel near Sugnu. The State mainly depends on agriculture but irrigation facility was not available. Power generation in the State was also very poor. It is stated in the lead writ petition that in the year, 1948-49 total installed capacity of electric energy in the State of Manipur was only 264 KVA out of which Leimakhong Power Hydro Electric Station generated 156 KVA and remaining energy was generated by Diesel Generating Sets. Generation of electricity by diesel generating sets was not economically viable. There was also demand of more electricity in the State for which the Central Power Commission started examining the feasibility on a Hydro Electric Project with whatever water resources are available in the State. Two schemes were conceived of such as Leimakhong Hydro Electric Scheme with installation capacity of 600 KVA and the Kharam Lok Hydro Electric Scheme with installation capacity of 1600 KW. Both these schemes could not be implemented because of unprecedented rainfall and flood in Leimakhong river in the year 1962. Again, a team of experts was deputed by the Central Govt. to examine feasibility of implementing the two schemes. The team of experts recommended for discontinuance of Kharam Lok Hydro Electric scheme and at the same time recommended continuance of Leimakhong Hydro electric scheme. After abandonment of Kharam Lok Hydro electric scheme, the Central Govt. again started examining the feasibility of Loktak Hydro electric Project. On examination of the water resources such as natural lakes, a decision was taken to go ahead with the Loktak Lake Multipurpose Project.