DESAM urges for water policy
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 25 2015: The Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) has appealed to the State Government to formulate a State water policy so as to prevent water scarcity and floods in the State.

Speaking to media persons at their office today, DESAM president Angamba asked where and how the total amount of Rs 550 crore allocated to PHED, IFCD and Minor Irrigation Department in 2014-15 action has been utilized.

He said that the State has been enduring scarcity of drinking water since some years back.

He questioned the failure of PHED, MI Department and IFCD to harvest rain water and preserve water for lean season.

He pointed out that Manipur receives greater volume of annual rainfall as compared to many other States of India.

Regarding the problem faced by the people due to non-availability of drinking water in the State, DESAM organized a discussion session last year which was attended by environmentalists, scholars, experts and others and the recommendations made at the end of the discussion session were submitted to the State Government for necessary measures.

The Sate Government is yet to take up any measures recommended by the joint meeting to prevent drinking water scarcity in the State.

Some of the recommendations submitted to the State Government include regulation of private water tankers by the State Government, to take up immediate measures by the Department concerned regarding water scarcity in the State, etc.

He also appealed to the State Government to preserve the community ponds, protect catchment areas, preserve wetlands and turn them into reliable water sources for proper utilization.

Angamba asked whether the dams built in different parts of the State are functioning properly.

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