Exploring all options to mitigate water woes: CM
45 mld capacity chingkhei ching treatment plant starts supplying water
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR
Imphal, February 19 2023:
Chief Minister N Biren launched the Water Treatment Plant at Chingkhei Ching in Imphal East district, by releasing water from the plant on Sunday.
The plant, which has a capacity of 45 MLD, will start providing water to some areas in Imphal city initially.
Appreciating the officials of PHED and the contractor for their dedicated efforts to provide water to the public and redress the problem of shortage of water to some extent, the CM said that the source of water for the plant will be Thoubal multipurpose project.
The state government is making all possible efforts for providing tap water to the public.
Once the pipeline work is completed, the plant would be able to supply water to various parts of Imphal, including those areas covered by Singda dam, he said.
The CM continued that there had been apprehension among the public about scarcity of water at sources like Singda Dam and said that the drying up of water sources is mainly due to large scale deforestation.
He expressed confidence that the plant will be able to provide tap water to entire Imphal areas till the monsoon season.
He further informed that the government is working on different projects to get water from various sources including Loktak Lake, Ijei River near Tupul and Barak River from Karong side, and added that the department is assessing other possible water sources as well.
Deploring the irresponsible manner of some sections of the public in water usage, the CM stressed the need for judicious use of water.
He also raised concern over many people resorting to unauthorised water connection from the main pipeline saying that such stealthy practices reduce capability of the pipelines and also pollute the water.
Biren also called upon the people to make the War on Drugs and poppy cultivation a public movement for a safe future of the state and its people.
He assured that the government will take up appropriate action against any individual involved in the poppy cultivation, whether they be village chiefs, MLAs or ministers.
He also sought support from the public towards various development works being taken up by the government and appealed to all to plant a tree each before the onset of the rainy season.
On the other hand, Biren mentioned about the appreciation and comments made by G20 delegates on the scenic beauty and tourism potential of the state during their recent visit.
He thanked the government officials and public for their cooperation and support in hosting the B20 event in the state successfully.
PHE minister Leishangthem Susindro informed that the Chingkhei Ching plant has a capacity of 45 MLD and it was developed at a cost of Rs 188 crore.
Several places of Imphal West, which were covered by Singda Dam, are not getting water supply as the dam reservoir had gone dry.
Considering the situation, the department is trying to provide water supply to these areas from the Chingkhei Ching plant.
He also appealed to the public to refrain from unauthorised tapping of water from the main pipeline by making holes.
PHED secretary Namoijam Kheda Varta, senior officials of the department and Keystone Infra Private Limited also attended the programme.
Later, the CM Visited water supply scheme constructed at Porompat, near TV tower, and also commissioned the facility.