PHE Minister paints grim prospect of JMM
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 02 2024: Saying that tap water supply is one sector worst affected by the protracted violent crisis, PHE Minister Leishangthem Susindro said that the hopes of implementing Jal Jivan Mission (JJM) successfully had diminished considerably.

Speaking in the course of discussing Demands for Grants, 2024-25 of Rs 1612,45,73,000 pertaining to PHED in the State Assembly, Susindro expressed strong apprehension that the State may face scarcity of water after four/five years.

Water source is the most important component of any water supply project.

When the DPR of a water supply project specified that the source of water was 10 Kms away from the project site, the water source was found to be 20 Kms away at the time of executing the project.

The main reason for this shifting of water source is poppy cultivation.

Poppy cultivation is quite suitable in catchment areas or areas where there are streams or springs, he said.

"During aerial survey carried out last year on the advice of the Chief Minister, large scale deforestation and extensive poppy plantations were seen in Churachandpur, Chandel and Kangpokpi districts and some areas of Senapati district", Susindro said.

"Even if contractors have completed most of the water supply projects by 70 per cent, I don't believe JJM would be a success in Manipur considering the depleting sources of water", he said.

Many water supply projects including the Singda Dam Water Supply Plant can no longer function to their full potential, he said.

Nonetheless, the State Government has submitted a proposal of two projects of Rs 118 crore and Rs 200 crore respectively to the Jal Jivan Ministry, Susindro informed the House.

The first project is about construction of a borewell and water pumpset at the water source which would be powered by solar power for collection of water in a pond.

The second project is for drawing water from Loktak Lake, he said.

As the Ministry asked the State Government to choose either of the two projects, the State Government has chosen the first project, he added.

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