Lamlai puts rider on laying pipes
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 12 2016:
The Thoubal Multipurpose Project Neglected Area Agricultural Development Organisation has categorically stated that laying of underground pipes for drawing water would not be allowed in Lamlai area if water for human consumption and irrigation is not provided to their area.
Speaking to mediapersons at Manipur Press Club here this afternoon, the organisation's secretary Telem Dara said that the organisation was formed at a joint meeting of the villages of Lamlai area.
People of Lamlai area were hoping that they would get potable water and water for irrigation from Thoubal Multipurpose Project.
On receiving reports about the Government's plan to commission Mapithel Dam, some villagers enquired about it to engineers concerned and the villagers were told that people of Lamlai area would not get any benefit from the project.
Subsequently, a joint meeting of 30 villages of Lamlai area was held on October 9 and the Thoubal Multipurpose Project Neglected Area Agricultural Development Organisation was formed.
The organisation has already drafted a memorandum to raise certain points to the State Government.
Even as the project aims to irrigate 33,000 hectares of paddy fields, around 10,000 hectares of Lamlai area are not covered by the project.
There is no perennial source of water in Lamlai area.
It would be quite beneficial to the people of Lamlai area if water can be diverted to Naibi and Leimakhong rivers which are flowing on either side of Imphal-Ukhrul road from atop Mapithel Dam, Dara said.
Underground pipes are being laid in Lamlai area for drawing water but the local people are unlikely to get a single drop water from the pipeline.
The organisation is determined to exact certain benefits from the project for the people of Lamlai area.
"But at the moment, we are being left as by-standers.
We are not opposed to drawing of water through Lamlai.
We are just demanding a little share", Dara said.