Govt approves water body at Lamphel
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 27 2013: The State Government has given its consent to develop a water body at Lamphelpat which can address the chronic problem of flooding quarters and offices in Lamphel area every year.

IFC Minister Ngamthang Haokip, IFC (Flood Control Drainage Division-II) EE Ch Ranbir, IFC (Flood Management Circle) SE S Dhanabir and Hill Areas Committee Chairman Z Kikonbou Newmai today surveyed Lamphel areas where many quarters, private houses and roads have been flooded due to torrential rainfall in the last couple of days.

IFC Minister Ngamthang expressed displeasure over the narrow Shamushang drainage system which is the only outlet for excess water accumulated in Lamphelpat.

The Minister further observed that the problem has been compounded by construction of smaller culverts by encroach-ers over the drainage system which impedes flow of water.

Speaking to the accompanying media persons, Ngamthang Haokip stated that the Government has been working hard to drain out excess water from Lamphel area as quickly as possible.

In order the address the chronic problem of flood in Lamphel area, IFCD would take up a project named Development of Water Body Improvement Drainage System.

Preparation of DPR for the project has been already completed and the estimated cost of the project is pegged at Rs 627.23 crores.

As directed by the Chief Minister to give special thrust to redress the problem of frequent floods in Lamphel area, the Public Investment Board headed by the Chief Secretary as chairman held a meeting yesterday.

The meeting approved the plan of developing a water body at Lamphelpat and board has recommended the plan to the Ministry of Water Resources for its due approval.

Implementation of the project would be started from 2013-14 as soon as it is proved by the Ministry of Water Resources.

Informing that the proposed water body would require 250 acres, Ngamthang stated that the project is targeted for completion in 2016-17 .

Once the water body is fully developed, it would be modified for supplying potable water to greater Imphal areas in consultation with PHED apart from addressing the problem of flood in Lamphel area.

As a part of the project, the section of Nambul river from Iroishemba to Khwai Nambolbi would be dredged and dug deeper.

In view of the rainy season, employees of the department have been put on duty round the clock to face any flood situation.

Saying that flood control materials have been collected in store, the Minister appealed to all the people to dial 2451550 if they face flood situation or are fearful of such a situation.

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