K Shyam halts digging paddy field
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 24 2018:
Revenue Minister Karam Shyam intervened directly and stopped the digging work on a paddy field at Kontha Ahallup, Imphal East district today.
Following the enactment of the Manipur Conservation of Paddy Field and Wetland Act 2014, conversion of paddy fields into homesteads has been prohibited.
On receiving reports that some people have been digging a pond on a paddy field using excavator and tipper trucks at Kontha Ahallup, Revenue Minister Karam Shyam accompanied by Imphal East DC Th Chitra, Heingang Police OC and other relevant officials rushed to the site at around 10.30 am today.
The team saw digging in progress and tipper trucks were taking away earth from the field.
Immediately, the officials impounded the keys of the machinery/vehicles.
The Minister then appealed to the local people not to carry out such unlawful activities ever again.
He also made the same appeal through media to all the people of Manipur.
He said that no one can take up any work on paddy fields without prior permission of the Government as the Manipur Conservation of Paddy Field and Wetland Act 2014 has already come into force.
The same Act has prohibited conversion of paddy fields into homesteads.
If any one is planning to take up development works on paddy fields, they must seek prior permission from the Government, Shyam said.
He also underscored the growing importance of preserving paddy lands in the interest of future generations.
He also asked DCs, SDOs and SDCs to enforce the Act in letter and spirit in public interest.