Expedite digging of Arong River: Charangpat locals urge authorities
Source: The Sangai Express

Thoubal, May 19 2024: Local clubs of Charangpat village under Wangkhem Assembly Constituency have urged the concerned authority to expedite the process of digging the river bed of Arong River which passes through the village.

In this connection, meira paibis and local clubs, namely, PDC, SYVA, SWYC, MAICHON, CAYA, USIDA, DUC and RYDO from Charangpat Mamang Leikai, Mayai Leikai and Maning Leikai convened a public meeting and staged a protest demonstration at Charangpat Luxmi Bazar today.

Reacting to news published in local dailies and TV channels claiming that the digging of the Arong river bed was initiated with an agenda to withdraw money from the Local Area Development Fund, the Charangpat locals strongly refuted the allegations as baseless statements.

Speaking by the sideline of the protest, Mutum Manitombi Devi, leader of Charangpat Mayai Leikai Meira Paibi, said that people had requested the local MLA to dig the course of the Arong river to the south of Charangpat High School.

The MLA had heeded their request with the assistance of Water Resources Department engineer and LAPF.

Unfortunately, with only 150/200 metres left to dig, "some encroachers expressed objection with the unverified claim that the work was being carried out to merely withdraw funds from the LAPF", she maintained.

Highlighting the difficulties faced by the people in accessing potable water, she urged the concerned authority and department to complete the undertaking.

Meanwhile Konsam Poreiton, local leader, said that under India Government's Jal Jeevan Mission, three water supply schemes at Charangpat Mamang Leikai, Mayai Leikai and Maning Leikai are nearing completion.

Expressing discontent at the objection raised by "three/four households" with only 200 metres approximately left to complete the digging of Arong River, he pointed out that Charangpat residents want access to clean water.

The river also provides water to nearly 60,000 people at Nepra Company, Athokpam and Khangabok, said Poreiton stressing on the importance of the river.

He also accused a few people of misusing the Charangpat High School's school committee's name for their personal benefit.

Stating that people want access to clean potable water under JJM, Poreiton cautioned that the public of Charangpat will launch a series of intense agitations if certain elements undertake actions against the collective wishes of the local residents.

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