CM stresses on collective efforts to address water scarcity
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 02 2019:
Chief Minister N Biren has underscored the growing need for collective efforts to address water scarcity during dry season in the State.
He made this statement while discussing a demand for grant pertaining to PHED in the State Assembly today.
Most water supply schemes in the State face problems during dry season as limited volumes of water are available at the sources.
Houses have been constructed just beside Singda Dam after felling trees.
On account of absence of trees at catchment areas, eroded soils mixed with water have been flowing down the streams and rivers instead of clear water and this has made the Loktak Lake more shallow, Biren stated.
Rivers too have become shallower.
The situation demands every section of society to shoulder due responsibility and tackle the problem collectively, asserted the Chief Minister.
Under the Prime Minister's initiative to provide tap water to all households by 2022, the State Government has been proposing three water supply plants whose total estimated cost is Rs 2600 crore.
Officials of Chinese banks which would fund the water supply plants came to Imphal and studied the DPR together with State officials.
As the DPR requires certain modifications, the officials concerned have been working to modify the DPR.
The estimated cost may rise a little after the modification, Biren informed the House.
The Government has been taking up necessary measures after sending PHED officials to look into water reservoirs, water pipes etc which have gone out of order so that tap water is available at all places where tap water was available earlier and these activities would not be hampered by the election code of conduct, he stated.
Laying underground pipes for drawing water from Thoubal Dam is incomplete by just 8 Kms.
If there is water reservoir at Chingkhei hills, there would be no shortage of water at Imphal and greater Imphal areas.
A water supply scheme would be attached to the Dolaithabi Barrage too in order to supply potable water to surrounding areas, he added.