MI projects 'a complete failure'
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 31 2015 : Numerous minor irrigation projects including River Lift Irrigation (RLI) schemes and others in Imphal West district are in a state of complete failure.

A team led by the president of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), Manipur along with media persons today inspected Nambol A/C and Sekmai A/C where a large number of various minor irrigation projects are being taken up.

The RLI scheme at Irom Meijrao, Nambol A/C which was implemented in the year 2007-08 with an estimated cost of Rs 23.64 lakh along Nambul river lies in a state of complete failure.

Locals reported that the machinery of the RLI functions only when there is overflow of water from Nambul river and have failed to give any benefit to the nearby farms.

The condition was the same at Meijrao Makha Dam constructed along Waishel Maril, Meijrao Makha.

The dam had no spillway defeating the very purpose of constructing the dam.

Not only has the dam failed to provide the supposed benefit, it has, on the contrast, been causing serious flood in the area during the monsoon.

A flopped MI project

According to a local farmer none of the farmers have till today benefitted from the dam.

About 100 meters from Meijrao Makha Dam, another minor dam called Pukhrambam Makha dam constructed along Waisel Maril had no shutter and it was totally defunct.

The RLI Scheme at Sanjenbam across Nambul River has also ceased to function as the water level has gone down far below.

"The main purpose of such schemes is to provide water to farms during dry season, but the scheme has failed to do so", a local resident stated.

Meanwhile at Kha Sanjenbam Makha Leikai the minor dam constructed ten years back has completely failed to serve its purpose.

Minor dams constructed along Govinda Sena Maril at Waheng Khongman Maning Leikai Dam, Pukhrambam Maning Leikai Dam about 150 meters apart were all defunct.

While one of the dams was incomplete, the condition of the others have evoked serious questions on how well these schemes and projects are being implemented in the State.

President of BJYM Manipur O Malesh, while citing the failure of the RLI schemes and other minor dam projects in the State said the Government has been wittingly or unwittingly denying people benefits which could be reaped from these projects in case they were functioning properly.

Such projects are meant to serve farmers, not contractors, the BJYM Manipur president stated adding that they would take up the matter with the Central Government on June 5 .

He further charged the State Government of being 'anti-farmer'.

During the last 13 years of Congress rule, people have seen only a few changes which indicate that the State Government is an incompetent one.