Zero works
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 13 2017:
Although half of the funds earmarked by the Minor Irrigation Department for the construction of five mini dams at various locations around Khoupum Sub-Division under Noney district, have been sanctioned, there are no signs of any tangible work progress at three locations till date .
The conditions came to light after a team of media persons along with representatives of Nungba Kendra Citizens' Forum visited the project sites yesterday .
Rs 66.59 lakh out of the total Rs 126.34 lakh earmarked for the construction of mini dams at the streams flowing through Luwanglong Khullen, Longkhuailong, Gaidimjang, Lubanglong and Riangpangjang villages, have been withdrawn till date but no work progress was seen at Luwanglong Khullen, Gaidimjang and Riangpangjang villages .
Speaking to media persons, chairman of Nungba Kendra Citizens' Forum Aphuna Gangmei narrated that an RTI was filed regarding the five projects .
The Minor Irrigation Department tried to avoid the applications for quite some time but finally replied and the trip was organised to inspect the project sites, he added .
He said that Rs 26.14 lakh was sanctioned as tender amount for the construction of a mini dam at Lamthaophai, Luwanglong Khullen and Rs 8.45 lakh was withdrawn .
However not a single construction material nor resources were seen at the project site and the area was all covered up in thick undergrowth .
The chairman alleged that MI Department had claimed that construction on the mini dam was completed and there were even photos to prove it .
In a similar manner, Rs 26.14 lakh was sanctioned as the tender amount for construction of mini dam at Duigumpang, Gaidimjang village and Rs 19.02 lakh was sanctioned.
Rs 26.14 lakh was sanctioned as tender amount for the construction of mini dam at Lamreithok, Riangpangjang village and Rs 17.01 was withdrawn .
However, there are no signs of any work at the said places, he added .
Aphuna Gangmei said that the Rs 26.14 was sanctioned as tender amount for Meicholok, Longkhuailong (Rs 10.60 lakh withdrawn) and Rs 21.78 lakh was sanctioned for Khunupu, Lubanglong (Rs 11.51 withdrawn) and fortunately the required mini dams were constructed for the said places .
The chairman appealed to the State Government to take up necessary actions regarding the situation at the earliest .
He also pointed out that the Forum will launch such inspection drives in the future regarding such developmental projects and added that the forum, along with the people will launch various forms of agitation or take legal help if the need arises.