IFCD gears up to tackle flood woes
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 12 2012: Irrigation and Flood Control Department officials have been advised to take up relevant measures for preventing collateral damages from flooding and natural disasters ahead of the monsoon.

Speaking at a thanks giving programme held at Gamnom Sapermeina community hall today, four-time Saitu AC MLA Ngamthang Haokip, who currently holds the Irrigation and Flood Control portfolio stated that vulnerable points including weak river banks have been identified in order to face all eventualities.

Informing that he along with IFCD officials and local MLAs have discussed plans to minimise damages from flooding besides inspection of weak river banks, the Minister maintained that the inspection tours would be carried out on May 14 at Kakching, Wabagai and Lilong area with the MLAs concerned.

asserting that official processes had been undertaken to implement flood control measures at the earliest with financial assistance from the Special Plan Assistance, Brahmaputra Board, NLCPR, NABARD and the Central Government, Ngamthang also conveyed that materials likely to be needed to combat flooding have already been handed over to the Department.

File pciture of a flooded street in Imphal during the monsoon

Claiming preparedness of the IFC Department to drain out excess water from Lamphelpat areas during the monsoons through two main canals into the Nambul river, he also informed that Department officials have been advised to remain vigil to prevent flood-related devastation.

Seeking support and cooperation of the people in the development initiatives of the Government, he also pointed out that with Sadar Hills, including Saitu AC, being a sensitive region due to concentration of people from different communities aspiration for overall development could be achieved only through amity and supporting the Congress Government.

Disposing parochial mindset and accepting the Congress party as a family would be helpful in attaining the goal of peace and development, he iterated and specifically prevailed upon all armed groups to refrain from interfering in development initiatives of the Government.

The Minister presented gifts to representatives of three polling stations of Saitu AC as an honour for casting maximum number of votes to the Congress candidate in the election to the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly.

Among others Sekmai AC MLA Debendra was also present at the occasion.