Tipaimukh Dam
The Tipaimukh Dam, a planned embankment dam on the Barak River in Manipur, India, that will be built for flood control and hydroelectric power generation, has generated a lot of controversy surrounding its environmental and social impacts (particularly from Bangladesh) and has caused strain in relations between India and Bangladesh.
Key Facts:
Location:
The dam is proposed to be built on the Barak River in Manipur, India close to the confluence with the Tuivai tributary.
Purpose:
Flood control and hydroelectric power development.
Controversy:
- Environmental concerns: Possible effects on the river ecosystem, including flooding, water quality, and river floodplain-wetland ecosystem.
- Social concerns: Displacement of local communities and possible impacts to agriculture and fisheries in Bangladesh.
- India-Bangladesh relations: The dam has become a point of contention between India and Bangladesh, with Bangladesh expressing concern over downstream impacts.
Technical Features:
- The dam is proposed to be 390 m long and 162.8 m tall.
- The crest elevation will be around 180 m above mean sea level.
- The maximum reservoir level will be 178 m and full reservoir level will be 175 m.
- The hydroelectric generating capacity will be 1500 MW.
Where was the Tipaimukh Dam proposed to be built?
The rock-filled hydroelectric dam was proposed to be located on the border districts of Mizoram and Manipur, close to the Tuivai River and the Barak River confluence. However, the dam proposal has faced ample resistance on a number of issues from Bangladesh and the people of North-East India.
What is the aim of the construction of the Tipaimukh dam?
The main aim of the project is flood control and hydel power generation for the benefit of the surrounding regions.
Where is the project location?
Tipaimukh Dam rests in an ecologically sensitive region in one of the most seismically volatile areas on earth. The project can cause loss of land and distort the indigenous community of Mizoram and few areas of Bangladesh.
Challenges with the Tipaimukh Project?
Bangladesh has shown concern over the construction of the Tipaimukh Project. They argue that this may affect the seasonal rhythm of the river and have an adverse effect on downstream agriculture and fisheries of Bangladesh.
Apart from that, Green activists say that the Tipaimukh area is a habitat of many endangered species including barking deer, gibbons, leopards, grey sibia, serow and the rufous-necked hornbill–the state bird of Manipur.