Blocked reservoirs cut off water supply to three wards in Thoubal; Govt help sought
Source: The Sangai Express
Thoubal, June 02 2024:
The Sabaltongba Water Supply Scheme operated by the Thoubal Municipal Council is unable to provide potable water to residents in Ward No 10, 11 and 13 due to silty/muddy water pumped from the Thoubal River blocking the filters in the water reservoirs.
In view of such circumstances, a team led by Sanasam Ibotombi, Caretaker Councillor, Ward No 13, Thoubal Municipal Council undertook an initiative to remove the silt/debris from the water reservoirs with the help of heavy machinery (JCB) .
It may be noted that the water of Thoubal River reportedly has high turbidity throughout the year.
As a result, water supply schemes that use the river water are facing difficulties in supplying potable water to the public.
Speaking in this connection, Sanasam Ibotombi shared that the Sabaltongba Water Supply Scheme was set up under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) .
It was handed over to the Thoubal Municipal Council after its construction.
Stating that it supplied water to Ward No 10, 11 and 13, he maintained that silt and debris from the turbid Thoubal River has blocked the filters in the water reservoirs and hampered the process of supplying water to public.
He further pointed out that as Sabaltongba Water Supply Scheme is not run by the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), the Council is facing issues in acquiring materials including chemicals needed for maintenance.
In addition, non-payment or delay in payment of water tax by the public has rendered the Council unable to pay the monthly honorarium of the Council staff, he added.
Taking the situation into account, he urged the relevant authority of the Manipur Government to tackle the issue and made an appeal to the public to cooperate with Thoubal Municipal Council and pay their outstanding water tax.
To facilitate easy and convenient payment of water tax, a counter will be set up at the earliest, he added.