Rs 150 cr fund for Waisel Maril rendered useless
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, July 11 2013: An amount of Rs.150 crores sanctioned by the Ministry of Urban Development during the tenure of SPF-II for development of Waisel Maril canal has been wasted resulting in flash floods at several places under Keishamthong Assembly Constituency.

The fund was sanctioned by the Ministry of Urban Development under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewable Mission (JNNURM) after the Irrigation and Flood Control Department (IFCD) submitted a project proposal for development of Waisel Maril.

The fund was released under the head of IFCD, but Chief Minister Okram Ibobi transferred the fund to Planning and Development Authority (PDA).

The work for Waisel Maril Project was awarded to an outside firm by PDA through tender.

However, the firm did not carry out the project.

Instead, it gave out sub-contracts to several contractors.

Some of the works of the project are still pending.

An passenger service autorickshaw fell into the road side ditch of the flooded road leading to Shija Hospital on Thursday

Meanwhile, following heavy downpours in the State in the past few days, several low-lying areas in valley region have been flooded causing inconveniences to the people.

Several places under Keishamthong Assembly Constituency have also been flooded due to blockage of Waisel Maril canal.

The flooded places in Imphal area included Uripok Tourangbam Leikai, Uripok near Flyover, Kangabam Leikai, Sega Road Thouda Bhavok Leikai, Sega Road Khwairakpam Leikai near Hueiyen Lanpao's office, Takhellambam Leikai, Khagempalli Nganapithong, Khagempalli Panthak and Pankha, Hodam Leirak, Longjam Leirak, Singjamei Makha Mayengbam Leikai, Thongam Leikai, Waikhom Leikai, Kakwa Asem Leikai, Kakwa Sorokhaibam Leikai and Nongmeibung Pung Makhong.

The Little Flower School also remained closed due to flood at Sangaiprou area.

According to report of the Control Room of Irrigation and Flood Control Department (IFCD), the rainfall recorded today at Litan area was 30 mm, 18.30 mm at Saikul area, 7 mm at Kangpokpi area, 24.60 mm at Lamphel area and 28 mm at Raj Bhavan in Imphal.

However, major rivers of the State such as Imphal River, Nambul River, Iril River, Kongba River and Manipur River are running beyond the warning level.

As per report from meteorological office at Imphal Airport, the rainfall recorded in the month of January was nil, 0.8 mm in February, 27.13 mm in March, 91.1 mm in April, 298.2 mm in May, 138.43 mm in June and 170.73 mm till July 11 .

On the other hand, some low-lying paddy fields in valley region have been flooded causing serious concern to the farmers.

Most of agricultural works are completed and the farmers are now apprehensive of the possibility of heavy damage to crops due to excessive rainfall.

The State is likely to face flood situation if heavy rainfall continues in hill areas from where major rivers flowing in valley region originate, experts said.