Ibobi bats for mutual understanding
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 20 2013:
Even if people settled around Singda Bazar do not possess patta for the lands occupied by them, they would not be evicted as of now.
Rather, the Government would like come to an understanding with the people.
This was stated by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi today while laying the foundation stone of a magnificent gate at Singda Bazar in front of Singda Dam which can draw tourists attention.
The foundation stone was laid impromptu with customary rituals.
Soon after reaching Singda Bazar, Ibobi after consulting with relevant Ministers and officials directed to a bring an excavator.
Immediately, a small area was dug out and the foundation stone was laid.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by IFCD Minister Ngamthang Haokip, PHED Minister I Hemochandra, Works Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar, CLP convenor DK Korungthang, Sekmai AC MLA Kh Debendro and relevant officials.
After discussing the existing condition of Singda Dam with the local people, members of Singda Bazar Board, Ministers and officials, Ibobi stated that the foundation stone for a magnificent gate was laid today with a view to develop Singda Dam area as a tourist destination in addition to its original purpose of supplying water to public.
Claiming that all due compensations have been paid when 500 acres of land was acquired by IFCD for Singda Dam, Ibobi stated that some people were felling trees in the dam area without any restraint because there was no proper boundary fence.
On account of rampant cutting of trees, the dam has become much shallower.
With the objective of preserving the dam, the State Government has devised a two-pronged strategy.
Apart from maintaining the dam as a reservoir for supplying potable water to public, the dam site would be developed as a tourist spot.
In addition to construction of a high compound fence, the Government is studying if the existing police outpost can be upgraded to the status of a police station in order to ensure a secure environment for tourists visiting Singda dam, Ibobi stated.
A road of about 7 Kms in length would be constructed around Singda dam along security forces would patrol daily.
Moreover, it is being targeted to plant around 5 lakh tree saplings on the surrounding hill slopes within the month of June in order to protect the local environment.
The tourist gate which would constructed anew would be manned by security forces and it would be equipped with a stop-gate.
Tourists visiting Singda dam would be allowed entry only with the permission security personnel manning the gate.
Areas on both sides of the road leading to Singda dam from the spot where the gate would be constructed are not patta land.
Notably, there are 25 to 30 houses on these areas.
However, Government would not evict them forcefully.
They would be given time as well as compensation for standing properties so that they can shift away on their own.
Until and unless, the Government and the people of Irengband who own the said land come to an understanding, the Government would not make any move for eviction.
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