House discusses Lamphel flood issue
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 25 2011:
To solve the problem of water logging in Lamphelpat and its surrounding area, the excess water is being drained out through Shamushang Uku with the help of 12 water pumps round the clock for which a dedicated power line has been provided, IFC Minister N Biren informed the Assembly today.
Responding to a call attention motion moved by Opposition leader Radhabinod in connection with the difficulties being faced by the people from prolonged water logging in Lamphel area, Minister Biren observed that although Lamphel area experiences the problem of flood every year, this time water logging remained longer that usual.
Normally, the excess water from Lamphelpat is drained out after lifting the gates of Shamushang Uku when the water level of Nambul river receded.
But time since, the water level of the river has remained high the gates of Shamushang Uku have been closed and the service of 12 power pumps, six electric power generated and six other diesel pumps, are being utilised for draining out the excess water round the clock, the Minister informed the House.
The Minister went on to say that apart from draining out the excess water through Shamushang Uku, there is no other possible means at the movement.
However, after the drainage system being constructed by PDA upto Shamushang Uku is completed, there would be no problem in draining out the water.
A survey for construction of a drain near NG College at Lamphel has been conducted for draining out the excess water and steps are also being taken up to see the possibility of constructing drainage around the foothill of Langol for draining the water directly to Nambul river.
The Minister also gave his assurance of looking into the possibility of setting up a water body in Lamphel for draining the water.
Moving the call attention motion, Radhabinod said that prolonged water logging in Lamphel area where many important Government offices and private houses are located has not only affected functioning of these Government offices but also subjected the local residents to numerous inconveniences.
He also expressed concern that prolong water stagnation may led to outbreak many water borne diseases and so the Government should take up necessary remedial measures in this regard at the earliest possible.
Zero hour: During the Zero Hour of the Assembly today, MLA T Mangibabu has drawn the attention of the Minister concerned to the problem of flood that has inundated vast tract of agricultural land in Thanga, Hiyanglam and Moirang following rising level of Loktak lake as a result of not opening the sluice gates of Ithai Barrage in time.
MLA Dr Ng Bijoy pointed out that out that three Imphal-bound passenger buses which were coming along Jessami-Ukhrul road have been stranded near the gate of 6th MR after the National Highways have been blocked and drew the attention of the Chief Minister for taking up necessary measures for bringing back the stranded passenger buses.