IFCD to strengthen weak river embankments for Rs.1600 cr
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, July 07 2013:
Under its Anti-Erosion Flood Control Division, the State Irrigation and Flood Control Department (IFCD) would be taking up a mega project of Rs.1600 crores to strengthen weak river embankments and dredge riverbeds to prevent frequent occurrence of floods during monsoon season.
According to an official source, the IFCD has been facing shortfalls in fund allocation to take up works for strengthening weak embankments in flood prone areas.
However, the Department has recently submitted a five-year (2012-13 to 2016-17) project proposal of Rs.1600 crores to the Ministry of Water Resources for the mega flood control project.
The Department would be able to take up anti-erosion flood control programmes through the State once the project proposal is accepted by the Centre, the source noted.
The project includes cleaning of riverbeds of major rivers such as Imphal River, Kongba River, Nambul River, Iril River and Thoubal River to ensure steady flow of water in the rivers.
The IFCD would also take up special measure to strengthen weak embankments at Hatta Minuthong, Thumbuthong and Singjamei Kshetri Leikai along Imphal River.
Earlier, the Department has taken up works to fit piles along these weak embankments, but the contractors have not done the work up to the mark.
The source further said that the IFCD officials have appealed to the people not to take up cultivation works and construction of houses near river banks.
The defaulters are punishable under Manipur Flood Plain Zoning Act, 1978 .
The IFCD is striving to take up the flood control projects in an effective way to prevent frequent occurrence of floods during monsoon season.
The officials are awaiting acceptance of the Centre to the mega project of Rs.1600 crores.