Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 08:
Spelling out the plan of the Government to raise the height of the main dam of the Thoubal Multipurpose project before the ensuing monsoon as the flow of the Thoubal river over which the dam is being constructed has been diverted to the diversion channel by construction of the upstream coffer dam, Chief Engineer of IFCD has appealed to all concerned to lift the ban imposed currently on construction of the works of the project so that the work may be resumed immediately to achieve the target in time and no untoward incident is caused due to lack of progress.
In an appeal issued to all concerned, Chief Engineer of IFCD AH Khan reiterated the Government's willingness to under view of the RR plan 1998 to give due benefits to the affected villagers and provide them ample opportunity for proper resettlement and rehabilitation.
In this regard, the chairmen/headmen of the affected villages and all organisations working in the interest of the affected villages have been invited to come for discussion with the Minister of IFC, the Commissioner (IFCD) and the Chief Engineer (IFCD) to review the RR Plan 1998 so that the affected villagers may be resettled and rehabilitated at the earliest.
On some of the works that have been implemented by the Government o Manipur in connection with the construction of the project, the Chief Engineer said land compensations have been paid in full to Phayang and Louphong villages (land acquired under Land Acquisition Act) and the RR Programme for the said villages implemented under RR Plan 1990 has been reviews and RR packages enhanced as per RR Plan 1998.Action for economic rehabilitation for all the affected villages will also be taken up through the development departments of the Government, the Chief Engineer assured.
The Chief Engineer further said that the lands for borrow areas and reservoir submergence area were purchased directly by the department from the villages as per the RR Plan 1998.Out of the total cost of Rs 20,75,70,555, so far an amount of Rs 19,95,28,620 has been paid and the balance amount of Rs 80,41,935 is already available with the Department which will also be released as soon as possible.
Land development for resettlement site, construction of a primary school building and water supply scheme for Ramrei Ato village is almost completed, the Chief Engineer said, adding that compensation for church and community hall buildings at the current market rate has been paid.
Moreover, along with inviting all other affected villages to take up resettlement and rehabilitation programme, the Right High Level Road connecting Imphal-Ukhrul Road and resettlement site of Ramrei Ato village at Yaingangpokpi and Sangkai has been completed upto the stage of black topping, the Chief Engineer added.