Frozen in Time: Sikhong-Sekmai Water plant halted since 2006
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, February 02 2015: Sikhong-Sekmai Water Supply Plant Scheme that began construction in 2006 is still to see the light of the day.

The water supply plant was constructed on the Thingangbung hill under Sikhong-Sekmai municipality of Thoubal District.

The scheme was undertaken by Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) of Government of Manipur to provide potable drinking water to five thousand residents of Sikhong-Sekmai village and over one crore rupees had been pumped into the scheme.

Sikhong-Sekmai Water Supply is one among the many water supply schemes that had become the victim after the abolition of Other Town Division section under PHED by Government of Manipur.

Schemes that were initiated by under the now non-existent division remained unattended and allocated funds have all dried up.

Frozen in Time: Sikhong-Sekmai Water plant halted since 2006

For Sikhong-Sekmai Water Supply Scheme, necessary pipes to supply drinking water have not been laid and even the construction of the dam for water reservoir remains incomplete due non-availability of funds.

Consequent to non-completion of the dam, other infrastructure like rooms for generator and water pump remained defunct leading to natural decay and exposing to the mercy of thieves and weather.

Many parts of the generator and water pumps have been missing and to make them functional once again, new spare parts have to put into place.

According to a departmental source, the scheme has been handed over to the Thoubal Division of PHED and to make the scheme functional Thoubal Division has made relevant Detail Project Report which had been submitted to Government.

The same was yet to be approved by the Government.

Meanwhile, inhabitants of Sikhong-Sekmai are facing acute water shortage with the absence of source for water for drinking and daily use.

Ingourok River, the alternative source that originates from Kharal Hill in Chandel District is running dry due to scanty rainfall.

Even if there is water, the same was not fit for use due to stone and sand quarrying for commercial use in the upstream.

Left with no option, residents are now collecting water from small springs located inside the Sikhong-Sekmai dam.

For this, one had to walk two kilometres.

Under such circumstances, people of Sikhong-Sekmai are awaiting action from the Government despite wondering why it has remained silent for so long for such an important scheme.