Nambol MI dams under scanner
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 01 2011:
As a living proof to lack of co-ordination in taking up development programmes in the State, over 10 RCC dams are found to have been constructed under Minor Irrigation Department in different parts of Nambol Assembly Constituency without the knowledge and consultation of Irrigation and Flood Control Department.
According to sources, such lack of co-ordination has been at the root cause of artificial flash flood witnessed during rainy season every year in most part of the State leading to loss of public properties.
From the fund provided by the Centre for construction of mini dams for irrigation purposes in all the districts of the State as part of the Departmental Project of 2009-2010, in all 13 dams have been constructed in Nambol Assembly Constituency alone.
The sites where these dams have been constructed are Sanjenbam (one), Pukhrambam (two), Thounaojam (one), all along Waishel Maril, Langpoklakpam Bazar (two), Laitonjam (one), Khathong (one), Eshok Chingphu (one) and Terapokpi Kabui village (one), all along Merakhong Maril and Kabowakching and Balram (three) along the canal of Loktak Lift Irrigation.
A team of media persons today went to inspect all these dam sites.
Later, interacting with the media team at the complex of KVK Utlou, former Union Minister Thounaojam Chaoba asserted that even though all the dams located in different parts of Nambol Assembly Constituency may have been constructed for the welfare of the people, they have become a scourge today.
When the officials of the IFCD were contacted in this regard, they disclosed that IFCD have not been consulted by Minor Irrigation at the time of constructing these dams.
Apart from lack of quality, it appears that no expert too have been consulted at the time of constructing these dams.
So, letters have been written to Chief Secretary as well as the Commissioner and Chief Engineers of the Minor Irrigation Department for ensuring these dams were removed before the onset of rainy season to avert artificial flood and loss of public properties, the officials disclosed.