The proposed dam, to be built about 500 metres downstream of the confluence of the rivers Barak and Tuivai, was initially conceived of as a means of preserving seasonal flood waters that cause annual havoc in parts of Assam, Manipur and Bangladesh. Later, planners expanded the ambit of the project to include a hydel power generation scheme, seeking to produce 1500 megawatts at peak, and 410 megawatts on a steady basis. The design and construction of the dam, reservoirs and hydel generation facilities are being supervised by NEEPCO authorities.

The largely earthen dam will rise 180 metres over the sea level and the highest and lowest levels of water to be stored in its reservoir will be 178 metres and 136 metres respectively. Central, regional and state authorities regard this as a major project that will change the economic scenario of the region. It would more than offset the increasing power demands of the region, do away with huge flood losses and damage, and help the growth of investments in small industries and tourism, giving a major boost to regional economy.

It is not Bangladesh alone that is protesting the proposed construction of the dam. Five civil rights groups, comprising people from political parties, educationists, and leading citizens of Manipur have set up an Action Committee against the Tipaimukh project (ACTIP). It has addressed its concern over the possible damage to the area's ecology, its traditional way of life, the threat to environment and the local people, on account of the project. In a communication to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, it alleged that two public hearings officially conducted to debate the issues did not go deep enough into the issues involved.

Bangladesh authorities and ecological experts have opposed the project from the beginning. Apart from sending several protests notes and memoranda, Dhaka-based groups have organized international seminars by experts on the possible environmental fallout from the construction of the dam. Representatives of 11 countries attended.. Expectedly, the Bangladesh Nationalist party has politicized the issue accusing India of playing big brother, alleging that the Dam if built will leave Northern Bangladesh areas woefully short of water,

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina too has expressed her concerns, albeit in less strident terms, over Tipaimukh. Foreign Minister Dipu Moni is understood to have written a letter to Dr Singh on the subject.

Notes prepared by Bangladeshi experts point to the nature of the soil, rock formation and patterns of water streams of the Northeast region. It points out the dangers of heavy construction on a highly active seismic zone --- the Northeast is one of the six most active zones in the world. There is also a major worry about the effect on the tributaries of both rivers flowing into Bangladesh.

Bangladesh authorities have long complained about what they describe as the disastrous ecological and economic effects of the Farakka dam project in India. They allege that the country lost about 30% of the water flow it received from the river Padma, which has led to virtual desertification in summer of large areas in South and Central districts. The loss in terms of agricultural and fish production, and the impact on tributaries have been devastating. The BNP and other major parties have always made the Farakka dam an election issue, a handy stick to beat India with.

Interestingly, there is no representative from the BNP in the delegation to visit India, but there is a representative from the Jamat-e-Islami, a staunch BNP ally. The team will meet senior officials and Ministers in Delhi before going on its trip to Manipur. (IPA)