Editorial
Tipai's efficacy
Move beyond reiteration of assurances
We have now the reported categorical statement of the Indian Prime Minister made recently in Manipur that the dam on Tipaimukh would be built and that environmental clearance has already been accorded to the project.
This, read with the statements of the PM's foreign affairs and economic advisors, that they have returned fully satisfied with the guarantee that the dam would have no adverse impact on Bangladesh, rather it would be beneficial for us, create considerable confusion in ones mind. Apart from the fact that such assurances remain a common refrain of India, there remains considerable opposition to the project even in Manipur and other NE states of India.
Given that studies, whatever there are on both sides of the border on the Tipai project's impact, catalogue a slew of detrimental outcomes of the dam both on the environment and ecology, we are not certain as to what is the basis of such a view. We feel that there should be more than mere verbal assurances. Statements must stem from facts and figures and calculations. We have nothing substantive as far as those are concerned.
Reportedly, two of the Indian agencies, the Sutlej Jal Vidyut Nigam and National Hydro Power Corporation will conduct a study on the project before commencing work. This causes one to wonder why the study now when the decision to move ahead with the project has already been taken.
We are also confused about the joint survey issue. Thus while we are told by the PM's advisors that India is ready to carry out survey jointly, we are told in the same breath that Delhi would inform Dhaka about the 'outcome of the survey.' So where will be the 'jointly' in that survey?
Mere reiteration of assurances can no longer assuage us in this matter. The issue is of serious concern to us. And before Bangladesh can even start considering being a partner in the project it should have its fears allayed in a substantive manner. The stated position of experts in Bangladesh is that the two countries should undertake a joint survey and let the 'good' and the 'bad' of the project emerge from the joint study. Only then should one decide whether it would be prudent to proceed with the construction of the dam.
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