State asked to buffer stock food grains
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 17 2014 :
Referring to the upcoming work schedule for converting the Silchar-Lamding rail track to broad gauge the North East Frontier Railway (NERF) has reportedly instructed Government of Manipur for sufficient stocking of food-grains as the rail track upgrading activities would take time and cease train movement.
According to an official source, the NERF conveyance highlighted that halting train service to Jiribam railhead would be inevitable for smooth execution of the broad gauge conversion work commencing from october this year thus necessitating buffer stocking of food-grains for upto six months.
Taking into account unfavourable condition of road along the Imphal-Jiribam section of the National highway during the monsoons food-grain transporters might have to take the Imphal-Dimapur route to load Manipur's monthly food-grain quota from the commercial centre of Nagaland State, said the source.
The official also noted that food-grain transport operators might endure some difficulties plying along the Imphal- Dimapur section of NH-2 for this route has been under the control of armed group(s) .
Meanwhile, the National Food Security Act might activated in the State from July this year with the source informing that 50 percent of the ration card digitisation process has been completed.
Pointing out that the Act has already been implemented in 11 States, the source said effective execution of the Act's provision would benefit 27,109 people in senapati district; 33,378 under Kangpokpi ADC; 24,239 in Tamenglong district; 47,229 in Churachandpur; 40,898 in Bishnupur; Thoubal - 72,730; Imphal East - 79,026; Imphal West - 89,238; Jiribam ADC - 7552; Ukhrul - 31,699; and Chandel - 28,640 .