No compromise on encroachers along river banks: Letpao
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 27 2018:
While appealing to the people to extend support to the ongoing work of cleaning river beds, Water Resources Minister Letpao Haokip asked encroachers along the river banks to remove their structures before the set deadline of March 5 or else face legal action.
He was speaking to media persons while inspecting river banks under Nambol Assembly Constituency today.
The Minister was accompanied by Nambol AC MLA N Loken; Chief Engineer of Water Resources Department and several other concerned officials.
Letpao Haokip made it clear that no compromise will be made on encroachers who have already been asked to vacate the places along the river banks.
He said that as per the Flood Plain Joining Act, 1978, illegal construction of house, shop, mill, crematorium, club, community hall and other structures 50 meters from the river bank shall be removed.
He said that Deputy Commissioners of Imphal West, Imphal East and other districts have been instructed and an order has already been issued asking all the encroachers to remove the illegal structures built along the river banks before March 5 to avoid legal action.
The Minister said that the deadline will not be extended and those encroachers who do not comply with the order will be dealt with strictly.
Recalling that the State witnessed major floods for five times in last year devastating huge properties besides leaving many homeless, he said that illegal structures along the river banks caused immense obstructions to flood relief works.
Encroachers can't put paddy fields and houses of the people at risk, he said.
Informing that cleaning work of river beds at Koirengei, Telipati and Thongju is going on in full swing, he assured that river beds of rivers at Oinam Toubul will be cleaned properly and fresh water will be put in it.
Letpao called upon the political parties to take collective initiatives by setting aside all the differences to control flood in the State.
He also informed that a joint meeting of MLAs and Ministers will be held once the Chief Minister arrives in the State to chalk out effective measures to control frequent occurrence of flood in the State.
MLA Loken said that frequent occurrence of flood at Naorem and Konthoujam is due to Inthai Barrage.
He observed that flood in the two areas, Ishok, Maibam Lokpaching and many areas under Nambol AC would be reduced to many extend once the five shutters of the barrage are opened.