MLAs appeal for early completion of dam
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 23 2014 :
MLAs of Sekmai, Lamshang and Heingang have appealed to Minor Irrigation Department to complete and commission the Awang Sekmai dam.
The dam being constructed by MI Department at the cost of Rs 4.42 crore funded by North Eastern Council was earlier targeted for completion in March last year.
The dam is being constructed with the objective of irrigating 2000 hectares of paddy fields during lean or dry season.
Surface level of the canals through which water would be diverted from the dam is at present three feet higher than the water level of the dam.
As such, people are apprehensive that the dam may not be able to irrigate paddy fields.
Taking serious note of the people's apprehension, a joint meeting was held today at Sekmai between officials of MI Department and the MLAs of Heingang, Lamshang and Sekmai Assembly segments.
MLAs Kh Devendra, N Biren and W Brajabidhu said officials concerned should ensure that water flows through the canal within a week.
People believe that the dam would benefit many areas of the three Assembly segments including nine particular villages and their paddy fields located within Heingang A/C, Brajabidhu said.
Pointing out that the diversion canal is three feet higher than water surface of the dam, he asked experts and engineers of MI Department to look into the matter seriously.
In case the dam cannot serve its purpose, MI Department should be held accountable.
Speaking at the meeting, Koirengei Awang Khungang Mapan Chaokhat Thourang Committee advisor Nandilal said that quarrying activities can no longer go on as usual as the Sekmai river has become very deep.
People's expectation of irrigating around 2000 hectares of paddy fields by the dam remains unfulfilled as no water is flowing through the canal.
MI Chief Engineer M Shyambabu said the dam is not fully completed.
Construction work of the dam started in November 2012 after the same project was sanctioned in 2011.Out of the total estimated cost of Rs 4.42 crore, Rs 1.25 crore was withdrawn in the first phase followed by another amount of Rs 1.59 in the second phase.
The last instalment has not been released.
Though it would take some more time to fully complete the dam, the department would ensure that water flows through the canal within the next seven days on experimental basis.
There is no reason to say that the dam has failed to serve its purpose, said the Chief Engineer.