At last, some signs of relief from water crisis
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: February 20, 2023 -

IN the midst of nearly all the government-run water treatment and supply facilities suspending operation due to drying up of rivers which used to feed these schemes, it is indeed heartening that the trial run of Chingkhei Ching water treatment plant has begun, an indication that the perennial problem of potable water shortage in Imphal areas during the lean season might soon be a thing of the past.

As had been reported in this daily some days back, there is no rainfall forecast anytime soon.

In fact, the Guwahati-based Regional Meteorological Centre in its district-wise weather forecast issued on February 13 had stated that all the 16 districts of Manipur will experience dry weather till February 17.

Three days after forecasting that dry spell would continue there is still no sign of rainfall consequently worsening the water scarcity problem in some areas of the state.

The distress caused to the general consumers could be comprehended from private water tanks ceasing service after water treatment plants suspended operations.

With water supply schemes rendered useless and tap water supply out of the context, many families in Imphal and Greater Imphal areas had been relying on private water tankers for their daily requirement even if it meant spending an additional amount.

The cost of 1,000 litres of water from private tankers used to be Rs 200-300 but the price for the same quantity rose up to Rs 500-600 when water supply schemes were operational.

However, due to the private tankers suspending service, both wealthier and middle class families are enduring the same distressful situation.

As such, entrusted to oversee such a vital department like the Public Health Engineering (PHE), which primarily exists to ensure regular provision of potable water, minister L Susindro Meitei would definitely be regarded as one of the most efficient policy makers as and when the Chingkhei Ching water treatment plant starts actual operation.

Taking into account of the fact that construction of the massive dam of the Thoubal multi-purpose project in Ukhrul district, which would be the water source for the Chingkhei Ching plant, had started over three decades back, minister Susindro deserves to take the credit for successful operation of the plant for effective execution or implementation of any project is what matters the most and not launch of projects that don't serve the purpose.

Along with expediting pending project works including laying of pipelines to link water supply schemes as well as the residential pockets, it is suggested that the PHE Department accord importance to the drastic changes brought about by climate change in the weather and rainfall pattern.

For now, the Mapithel dam seems to have enough quantity of water to meet the demands but possibility of the project facing the same fate as the Singda dam cannot be ruled out in case the forests in the catchment areas could not be preserved.

In fact, the present-day situation of Singda dam should serve as a lesson that the greenery visible in the catchment areas of the Mapithel dam would not last forever, especially considering the fact that poppy plantations have already been detected in Mapithel dam area.