Heirok warn of stir to protest canal project
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 01 2014: JAC Heirok Branch Canal Affected Land Owners' Association has cau-tioned that people of Heirok and adjoining villages will resort to intense agitation if the Govern-ment does not revoke its deci- sion to construct a canal at the area.

It is said that the Government is planning to construct a long canal which runs through Salungpham, Ukhon-gshang, Sekmai, Kakmayai, Leirongthel, Malom, Chan-drakhong, Heirok, Khongjom and Wangjing.

Speaking at a press conference held at Manipur Press Club, JAC president Kh Mai-pak said that the Government launched the project without consulting the villagers.

The project would create flooding to a large area of agriculture land, he added.

He said that the issue died down for some time after a public meeting held at Sekmai on October 20, 2013 strongly objected the Government move.

However, on May 21, 2014, Thoubal DC issued no-tification asking the affected land owners to collect their land compensation amount informing the villagers that digging of the canal would begin soon.

He said that Heirok and nearby villages does not need irrigation canal as these villages have river.

However, it would be appropriate to construct small water reservoirs at different points, he added.

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