Joy mocks
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 22 2021:
Taking a dig at the BJP-led Government's Jal Jivan Mission, veteran politician and MPCC spokesman Okram Joy has asserted that Manipur has become a desert and people cannot even buy water from private water tankers.
Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club here today, Joy cited scientists and intellectuals, and pointed out that no living being can survive in a place where there is no water even though some organisms can survive in the absence of air.
But Manipur has transformed into a desert despite the Government's Jal Jivan Mission, he said.
With almost all the rivers and other water bodies becoming dry, most water supply plants have become non-functional.
Multiplying the people's woes, water is no longer readily available from private tankers too.
Meanwhile, PHED has notified that it is not in a position to supply water to the public, Joy remarked.
Pointing out that Imphal River is now almost dry, Joy questioned how would the people survive.
The basic purpose of Imphal Barrage is to retain water in Imphal River for use during lean season but the barrage has turned out to be a shameful failure.
The matter demands a thorough enquiry, Joy asserted.
With the main objective of saving rivers, River Day is observed every year in the fourth week of September and River Action Day on March 15, he continued.
Saying that the Government's efforts to save Nambul River deserve appreciation, the MPCC spokesman said that saving Nambul River is not enough.
All other rivers including Imphal River must be protected and developed, he asserted.
It is because of laxity on the part of the Government that all the intake points of water supply plants located in Imphal and greater Imphal areas have now become defunct, he said.
When the World Water Day is observed today, the State Government is unable to provide water for agriculture as well as human consumption, he decried.
Asking if the Government has studied the behaviour of major rivers of the State, Joy further questioned whether any preventive measures have been put in place to face breaching of river banks and overflow of water current and their impacts as and when rainy season arrives in full gear.
He then highlighted the need to draw up a master plan for flood management.