DoNER irked by delay in Centrally funded projects
Directs Commencement Of Loktak Downstream Project
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Asem Babycha

Imphal, January 31 2015 : Out of 80 projects sanctioned by the Ministry of Development of North East Region (DoNER) in Manipur, only 18 have been completed till date, while 62 others are either far behind their target for completion or yet to take off the ground.

This starling fact came to light during the recent visit of DoNER Secretary R Vijaykumar, who came here to review the progress of the developmental projects funded under DoNER and Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources.

Among the protracted projects include laying of 33 KV power line from Leimakhong to Iroisemba, another 33 KV power line from Mongsangei to Khuman Lampak via Kongba and construction of the barrage component of Loktak Downstream Hydro Electric Project.

During the review meeting, the visiting DoNER official was also confronted with the fact that construction works at RIMS as well as on the 250-bedded hospital at Jiribam, 50-bedded hospital at Tamenglong, 50-bedded hospital at Chandel, infrastructural development at College of Technology and construction of Veterinary Hospitals in all the 9 districts of the State, all funded by the Union Planning Commission, are way behind schedule.

Taking serious note of the matter, the Government of India has given strict instruction to the Government of Manipur for speeding up the progress of all these already delayed projects.

Among other projects, the Centre has made it clear that work on construction of barrage of Loktak Downstream Electric Project should be started within the current fiscal year without affecting the 90 percent of the share of DoNER from the approved cost of Rs 109.59 crores.

Furthermore, the Government of India has asked the State Government to take a definite decision on starting works on nine other delayed projects including construction of Tamenglong-Tamei road, Kangpokpi-Tamei road and Bishnupur-Nungba road within this year itself.

It is learnt that out of Rs 88.67 crores sanctioned by NEC during 2013-14, the Government of Manipur was able to utilize only Rs 55.44 crores.

During 2014-15, another sum of Rs 45.54 crores was sanctioned.

But inclusive of the left over fund, the State Government has been able to utilize only Rs 60 crores so far.

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