NHPC stalls inland water way work
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 02 2011:
Loktak Development Authority (LDA) has been prevented by the National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) from developing a port at Ningthoukhong for the proposed inland waterway across Loktak Lake.
With the objective of connecting Mayang Imphal, Thanga, Ningthoukhong and other places located in and around Loktak Lake through an inland waterway, the LDA had started developing an inland port on the northern side of Loktak canal at Ningthoukhong.
However, the NHPC contending that the particular site belongs to them, has prevented the LDA from going ahead with its plan of developing a port there, informed an official source.
Even as the port development work has been stalled because of the NHPC's objections, Inland Waterways Department of the Government of India has been urging the State Government to introduce the inland waterway service in Loktak Lake as soon as possible.
The department has been suggesting the State Government to extend the inland waterway up to Karang, Komlakhong and Phubala.
The work of removing phumdis from Loktak Lake was completed by 35 per cent till August this year whereas discharge of uprooted phumdis through canals and rivers was completed by 80 per cent.
With regard to the Planning Commission's assertion to conduct project assessment before the second phase of the project (of removing phumdis) is started, LDA has asked the Planning Commission to identify the firm/agency which would conduct project assessment.