Lack of power results in non commission of Waithou Water Supply
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, May 04 2011:
Although construction of the Waithou Water Supply Plant has been completed, the PHED is unable to commission the scheme since state power department failed to give required power supply to the plant.
Construction of the plant in 2006 with a total cost of Rs 59.71 crore after Chief Minister O Ibobi laid the foundation stone on March 27, 2006.The plant was supposed to produce around 20 million litre of drinking water a day and supply to 54 villages and five towns.
Since the power department failed to give the required power supply, PHED is unable to commission the plant, said an official of the department.
The water pump being used by the department needs 380 volt of power supply while power department provides only 360 volt.
It may be mentioned that PHED is facing many inconveniences due to lack of adequate power supply and voltage.
According to the All India Manual of water supply scheme, a plant requires a minimum of 18 hours power supply for successful running of the scheme.
However in the state, power department if giving less than four hours power supply.
If only the department gives seven to eight hours power supply to the plant, PHED would manage to run the scheme, said the official.
The Waithou Lake which is the main source of the plant is decreasing in size and depth due to the various human activities in and around the lake.
If the state government does not take up immediate action to save the endangered lake, not only the lake will lose its charms and fame but the newly constructed water supply scheme will also be force to shut down in the near future, he said.
However reliable sources said that the government is planning to set up the lake as a tourist spot.