ARWSS plan up at Heingang
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 06 2011:
Foundation stone for an Accelerated Rural Water Supply Scheme (ARWSS) which would be taken up at the estimated cost of Rs 50 lakhs for at Heingang Makha Leikai Hannaba Hills was laid today by PHE Minister TN Haokip.
The water supply scheme which would use Imphal river as its source is expected to supply potable water to Heingang and Kairang Muslim village at the rate of 40 litres of water per day per individual consumer.
Once the first phase is completed, a village level water and sanitation committee would be constituted to look after water distribution and maintenance of the scheme.
Speaking as chief guest at the foundation stone laying ceremony held at Heingnang Makha Leikai community hall, TN Haokip stated that people would not get potable water even if many water supply schemes were taken up unless a policy for conserving river water is framed.
Stating that drying up or receding water level of rivers has been the main factor for failure of many water supply schemes, TN Haokip highlighted the huge responsibility of the people in conserving river water.
He called upon people settled along the course of Imphal river to do away with the practice of building latrines as well as rearing cattle and pigs on river banks.
TN Haokip further exhorted the people to incorporate water tanks in new buildings for harvesting rain water as water supply schemes would not be enough to provide potable to all the people.
People interested in incorporating water tanks in new buildings may consult PHED engineers.
Rain water harvested during rainy season can meet the water requirements for three months.
IFC Minister N Biren who presided the function stated that the SPF Government could take up development programmes only since 2005 though the Government is shortly completing 10 years in power due to paucity of funds.
Claiming that the SPF Government has succeeded in bringing certain developmental changes in the last seven years, Biren iterated framing a policy or programme takes time.
Quoting experts that water would be the principal cause should there any third World War, Biren highlighted the need for water conservation.
Informing that the Government has issued an order advising against building latrines and rearing cattle/poultry/pigs on river banks, Biren appealed to the public to keep rivers free from pollution.