Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 30:
The fate of the Tamenglong Bamboo and Cane Project, a joint venture of the Union Ministry of Rural Development, State Government and International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR) has been sealed even before it could kick start .its operation properly thanks to the failure of the State Government to provide its capital share.
Besides, the Union Ministry has threatened to take back the fund already released for setting up the project.
Talking to The Sangai Express at his office, Project Co-ordinator Nhemiah Panmei informed that the Union Ministry of Rural Development released Rs 75 lakhs in 2002 for starting the Project.
But even after two years of having commenced the Project, the State Government has not provided its capital share.
Taking this fact into account, Nhemiah informed that the Union Ministry has communicated to him making it clear that no more fund would be released and the fund already released would be taken back.
The Project was launched with the primary objectives of generating employment and boost economic activities besides controlling jhuming cultivation in the district.
But the State Government has not even extended moral support to the project, he lamented.
The first phase of the project has already been taken up in 68 villages giving benefit to around 48,000.The products have been taken to various National and International fairs.
Besides, the required socio-economic survey for implementation of the project successfully have already been completed, he said.
However, not all the necessary machineries could, not be installed due to paucity of fund.
Over and above this irregular power supply further compound the difficulty, he rued.
When asked about the possible effect of the recent phenomenon of Bamboo flowering in the district on the Project, Panmei replied as effective measures have been taken up to contain the devastation, they managed to save and develop some bamboo saplings.
However, he informed that the phenomenon of Bamboo flowering has started along the banks of Barak and Irang river.
According to a press source, there was electricity supply in the district only for one day in the month of January, two days in February, 16 days in March, 20 days in April and 12 days in May.