Union MoS assures early completion of Thoubal Project
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 05 2018: Union Minister of State for Water Resources Arjun Ram Meghwal has assured that the Thoubal Multipurpose Project would be completed at the earliest.

Meghwal made a spot assessment of Mapithel Dam this morning which is a key component of Thoubal Multipurpose Project.

Observing that irrigation canals are yet to be constructed/completed, Meghwal said that the Government will join hands with NABARD for construction of irrigation canals and added that the Central Government has been working to sanction Rs 99 crore for the project.

On being enquired whether he can give a definite time period for completion of the project, the Union MoS asserted that the project would be completed as soon as possible.

He said that he would hold a review meeting with State Government officials concerned after holding a meeting with Chief Minister N Biren today itself.

Thoubal Multipurpose Project was taken up with multiple objectives of providing water for irrigation as well as human consumption, power generation and to check floods.

Apart from drawing tourists, Thoubal Multipurpose Project would be able to improve economic wellbeing of the people settled around the project site, Arjun Ram Meghwal said.

He also inspected Dolaithabi Barrage constructed across Iril River.

On the way to Mapithel Dam, the Union MoS came across a group of people who were staging a protest demonstration.

He halted and talked with the protesters, enquiring their grievances.

On behalf of the protesters, the JAC Against Forced Construction of Mapithel Dam handed over a memorandum to the Union MoS.

The memorandum urged Government authorities not to inaugurate Thoubal Multipurpose Project until resettlement and rehabilitation works have been completed.

Conceding mat resettlement and rehabilitation of affected people is something which must be done without fail, Meghwal appealed to the local villagers not to stall execution of the project.

He also assured to look into their grievances.

State Water Resources Minister Letpao Haokip, engineers and officials concerned also joined the inspection trip.

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