Scarcity exposes water plan flop
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 13 2024: The poor planning of water conservation by the relevant departments of the state government has become evident as many parts of the state experience scarcity of water barely a fortnight after an unprecedented flood affected the valley areas.

Even though India Meteorological Department (IMD) had announced start of the monsoon, the state would be facing water scarcity if there is no sufficient rainfall in the next couple of months considering the erratic rainfall pattern witnessed in the past few years.

Several pick-up weir dams, irrigation canals and projects have been taken up under Irrigation and Flood Control Department (IFCD), Minor Irrigation (MI) and Command Area Development Authority (CADA).

However, majority of farmers in the state are unable to benefit from these facilities so far.

According to a farmer in Bishnupur district, they are beginning to face scarcity of water after the recent flood ravaged the valley areas of the state, which is very unfortunate.

Farmers in the state have been relying on seasonal rainfall for their farming activities despite the development of irrigation infrastructure by the government over the years.

Considering the limited funds utilised in developing such infrastructure, farmers have been able to produce crops and vegetables round the year, the farmer said.

On the other hand, a senior citizen, commenting on the issues being faced by the people of the state in terms of water for consumption and household use, said that the Central government assured household tap water connection for all.

Around Rs 120 crore had also been sanctioned for the same under Jal Jeevan Mission.

The Central government, while launching Jal Shakti Abhiyan in December last year, set the deadline of December 2024 for providing household tap water connection to all over the country.

However, this ambitious aim is still far from realisation in the state, he added.

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