The mining efforts in Manipur failed to recognize the indigenous community rights over their land and resources. The MoUs contracted with mining companies by GOM were without consultation of the communities and without revealing details of these MoUs and adverse implications. The details of MoUs and mining plan in general in Manipur has not been informed to the people of Manipur. The conferment of mining rights to private companies is dealt as a matter of secrecy.

The pre-feasibility study report (PFR) prepared by the mining company stated that the mining lease area at Lunghar is devoid of any forest land or agricultural land and the entire land is categorized as unclassed Government land despite the fact that Sirohi and Lunghar villages are one of the most forested area of Manipur along with Shingcha – Gamnon. The project authority stated that the peak is part of Shirui – Kashong range which is 2570 m in height and has a habitat of rare and endangered species of lily called “Siroy Lily”, at around 4.5 km from the lease area. The PFR also stated that there is no ecologically sensitive habitat like National Park, Wildlife Sanctuary within 10km radius of the ML area.

The Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) prepared by the ERM India Private Limited for RAMCO for mining at Singcha-Gamnon falsely stated that the mining lease (ML) area is devoid of any forest land or agricultural land and that the entire land is categorized as unclassed Government land. The EIA and the application for necessary clearance also indicated that there are no village nearby except for few hamlets of houses. In Manipur, the entire forest land is part of the community land, used for livelihood activities. There is no waste land and any diversion of forest land or community land for mining requires the consent of the community and the full application of the Forest Rights Act, 2006.

The EIA prepared by RAMCO in Singcha – Gamnon failed to mention the settlement and livelihood dependence of tribe and other indigenous communities in the mining lease area. Further, the area is inhabited by the Tangkhul and the Kuki tribes, which are both recognized as tribals by the Government and hence needing special consideration of impacts of mining. Similarly, the mining plan by Gulf Resources in Kwatha Village failed to recognize the Meitei communities’ rights over their land and resources. Question arises if the mining plan in Manipur takes consent of Hill Area Committee (HAC) under Article 371 © of Indian Constitution….

https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2020/8/5/Nuances-of-mining-plan-in-Manipur.html

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