Khuga Dam JAC takes case to Delhi
Source: The Sangai Express / Ninglun Hanghal

New Delhi, July 24 2014: Pin-ning hope on the new Govern- ment in the Centre, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) on Khuga Dam are camping in New Delhi to place their argu-ments against the irregularities and alleged misappropriation of funds for the Khuga Dam Multipurpose Project.

The team led by Lalpu Hangshing, chairman of the JAC today met the Minister of State for Home, Kiren Rijiju, who assured them that the matter would be minutely studied and pursued with Ministries and Departments concerned.

Khuga Dam JAC's key arguments being that the purpose of the said multipurpose dam, that is power generation, irrigation and drinking water supply, is far from realization.

No power has been generated, irrigation of agriculture and water supply is a non-starter, stated its representation submitted to the Home Minister.

A copy of the same was also submitted to the Prime Minister.

The JAC requested for spot verification and probe into irregularities and misappropriation of funds.

It may-be recalled that the foundation stone of the the Khuga Multipurpose project was laid by the then Planning Commission Chairman Shri Manmohan Singh in 1986.The initial project estimate was Rs 15 crore.

Subsequently because of delay, the cost was revised and estimated at Rs 434.65 crore.

While the inauguration was held in November 2010, the said estimate was approved by the State Public Investment Board and Center Water Commission in October 2011 .

The JAC alleged that until today there has been no output from the project, neither power supply nor water supply nor irrigation.

Rather every year people living in the vicinity and agriculture farms face flood caused by breached canals.

Till today over fourteen people have drowned in the dam, reported the JAC.

The JAC's presentation on the situation of Khuga Dam shocked the MoS Home Kir-en Rijiju, who reportedly ex- pressed his surprise at seeing the approved amount of over Rs 400 crore investment for a mere 1.5 MW.

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