CM sees red over tardy pace of Integrated Imphal City Drainage Project
Shamushang canal infuriates Ibobi
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 10 2012:
Chief Minister Okram Ibobi was literally boiling with rage after he saw lack of progress in implementing the Integrated Imphal City Drainage Project near Shamushang culvert.
Chief Minister Okram Ibobi together with IFC Minister Ngamthang Haokip, Education Minister M Okendro, Agriculture Minister Abdul Nasir and relevant officials conducted a tour of Imphal and surrounding areas inspecting drainage systems ahead of the monsoon season this afternoon.
The Shamushang canal which has been under construction since the last one year was observed making little progress though the same canal is crucial for draining out excess water from Lamphelpat during rainy season.
A visibly enraged Chief Minister said that the work was not awarded to companies based outside the State thinking that local contractors can execute it.
At this, the accompanying officials explained that the work progress had to slow down due to rainfall.
They also maintained that labourers were working at other portions of the same project.
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The Chief Minister asked the officials to point out the portions where work was progressing.
Ibobi and his ministerial team inspected the water pump-sets installed at Shamushang culvert as well as the retaining walls being constructed along Imphal river bank near Officers' Colony, Sanjenthong.
At Lamphel Mechanised Farm, one woman prostrated before the Chief Minister pleading that an alternative living plot as they have been evicted and their houses dismantled.
The Chief Minister instructed relevant officials and police to fill up the pond dug up there by a society registered under Cooperative Department and also to evict all illegal encroachers.
Ibobi further directed police to remove all the houses built opposite to Home Guard head office on the road to Shija Hospital in consultation with Settlement Directorate.
On being enquired by media persons about the inconveniences caused by Sewerage Project and its likely completion period, Ibobi brushed aside the question saying that he was tired answering the same question.
Nevertheless, he directed PHED Chief Engineer H Sunil to give a reply to the question.
H Sunil said that the project would be completed by March next year though it was earlier targeted for completion within the current year.
The project has been delayed for sometime as the works of digging main holes which are as deep 20/25 feet could not proceed due to rainfall.
At this, the Chief Minister intervened asked the Chief Minister why he did not mention about bandhs and blockades.
The team led by the Chief Minister also inspected the plot set aside for NIT at Lamphel.
With a view to club the entire campus of NIT at one place, it is being considered to build a four-lane road across Langol Tarung in place of the existing road which passes through the middle of the wetland.
At this, Shija Hospital Managing Director Dr Palin said that the same arrangement would cause inconveniences to patients on emergency.
Dr Palin asked if there is no other option.
The team further inspected the ongoing Nambul River Beautification Project.