Lamlai gears up for protest, demands Govt to establish proper irrigation system
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 11 2018: Thoubal Multipurpose Project Neglected Area Agricultural Development Organisation (TMPNADO) has threatened to launch intense forms of agitation if the State Government does not take up prompt action to provide irrigation canals from Thoubal dam and Dolaithabi dam (under the aegis of Water Resource) to the paddy fields of Lamlai area.

The organisation added that the canals should be able to provide water necessary for growing crops at a total of 12,140 hectares in Lamlai area.

TMPNADO general secretary T Dara, while making the above statement to media persons at Manipur Press Club today, added that it is rather unfortunate on the part of the State Government to neglect Lamlai area in providing proper water canals leading from Thoubal project.

He said that during the review meeting on Minor Irrigation chaired by the Chief Minister, plans and process of irrigation for Lamlai area were not discussed.

The general secretary alleged that the Thoubal dam and Dolaithabi dam were only constructed for the benefit of people residing in Thoubal and Imphal area only.

The height of negligence on the part of the authority concerned which left out 12,140 hectares of Lamlai area from receiving necessary irrigation of the project, is highly, condemnable, he asserted.

He warned that the organisation will launch a mass movement against such ignorant attitude of the State Government.

Maintaining that the lands and soil in Lamlai area are very fertile, he pointed out that the aim of initiating triple cropping instead of double cropping, will work successfully on Lamlai soil.

He went on to say that the paddy fields in Lamlai area, if nurtured with necessary amount of irrigation from Thoubal and Dolaithabi dams will be able to make a bountiful harvest all year which will improve the economic condition of the State.

Recalling the 'Pungdombam Ehou', he noted that the movement signified the time when the locals demanded the first Chief Minister RK Priyobarta to provide necessary irrigation method due to lack of rainfall for three years.

He further said that when the organisation approached the Govt in 2016, it was found that the State Government had not planned for irrigation system for the fields in Lamlai area and added that the organisation also met with the officials of the Department concerned on January 2, 2017.Dara claimed that a concept paper was formed with the Chief Minister, which took a year to complete, while adding that the concept was then submitted by the planning department to the Water Resources Department wherein the concept was enlisted at 17 in the priority list the Department.

He added that the Chief Minister had also assured to turn the plan into action on Meeyamgi Numit of April 15 this year.

Dara went on to claim that TMPNADO met with the Governor as well on September 29, in which the matter was deliberated.

Following the meeting, the planning department Director further directed the NEC to initiate irrigation project for Lamlai area.

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