CM Biren optimistic of restoring Lamphelpat water body
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 20 2023: Chief minister N Biren Singh inspected dredging work taken up as part of the rejuvenation work of Lamphelpat water body on Monday and expressed hope that the water body will be restored and turned into an attractive site in near future.

The chief minister was accompanied by cabinet ministers Govindas Konthoujam, Awangbow Newmai, Dr Sapam Ranjan Singh, Thounaojam Basanta Kumar Singh and Kashim Vashum, MLAs Thongam Shanti Singh, S Kebi, Kh Ibomcha, Kh Joykisan, officials of the water resources department and others during the inspection.

The dredging work had begun from October 6 by the Reach Dredging Limited.

While interacting with Meira Paibis of Lamphelpat area present at the dredging site, chief minister N Biren said Lamphelpat was a sprawling water body at one point of time but it is shrinking and disappearing gradually due to different reasons.

However, a dredging project with huge funding from the Centre has been taken up to save the erstwhile water body and to develop Lamphelpat as a significant tourist attractive site.

Gardens and other attractive sites will be developed around the rejuvenated Lamphelpat lake to make it a tourist spot, Biren informed the Meira Paibis.

The main objective of the project estimated to cost around Rs 650 crore is to prevent flooding around Imphal city and make Lamphelpat water source for people residing around the lake.

In a tweet regarding the project on his social media account, N Biren expressed hope that project will revive Lamphelpat and the rejuvenated lake will not only help in mitigating flooding in Imphal city but also help in developing a huge eco-tourism site.

He continued that Lamphelpat had in the past played a crucial role in reducing flood during rainy season around Imphal city.

However, diminishing water holding capacity and increasing siltation of Lamphelpat caused severe flood problem around Imphal city every year during rainy season apart from affecting biodiversity of the area, he continued the tweet adding that annual floods result in loss of properties, infrastructure and damage to human health.

Components the project include increasing water holding capacity of the lake, improving drainage system and water security, developing green space and biodiversity zone and keeping tourism facilities around the rejuvenated Lamphelpat.

The project targets to help United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 Climate Action in a big way apart from facilitating implementation of SDG 11 and SDG 6 programmes for clean water and sanitation.

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