Imphal, July 21 2009: At the rate of two NGOs per district, altogether 18 NGOs have been working for HIV affected mothers and children in the State, said Health Minister Ph Parijat in response to a question raised by MLA Dr I Ibohalbi in the State Assembly today.

Parijat claimed that HIV prevalence among the general population of the State has been declining.

It was 1.97 percent in 2006.In 2007, it declined to 1.57 percent.

Prevention of Parent to Child Transmission (PPTCT) has been launched to check spread of HIV from mothers to children, Parijat said.

Moreover, 57 NGOs are working in the field of Targeted Intervention, four NGOs are running Drop-in Centres for PLHA, another four NGOs are giving telephone counselling while six others are running Community Care Centres, the Health Minister added.

6263 phumdis cleared: In its ongoing effort to preserve Loktak Lake, the Loktak Development Authority (LDA) has so far removed 6263 numbers of athaphum (thick biomass), stated Forest and Environment Minister Th Debendra.

Responding to a query raised by MLA Dr Kh Ratankumar, Debendra said that 16 hatcheries have been built for the villagers settled around Loktak lake.

Moreover, the villagers have been given Rs 13,000 each for procuring nets, boats, traps etc.

Saying that the Government has put in several plans to re-settle Loktak dwellers, Debendra elaborated that the Government plans to encourage paddy cum fish farming, vegetable farming, weaving, dairy development, poultry development, vegetable based handicraft, mushroom farming and ornamental fish culture.

However, there is no plan as yet to build boats for LDA, he added.

Seven water supply schemes proposed : Planning Department has submitted concept papers of seven water supply schemes to be taken up under NLCPR during 2009-10, said PHE Minister TN Haokip in response to a question from MLA Morung Makunga.

The schemes proposed by the Planning Department to the Government of India include Augmentation of Water Supply at Moreh Town, Removal of Arsenic for boring Tube Wells for Safe Drinking Water at Kakching, Augmentation of Water Supply Scheme at Keibul Lamjao, Augmentation of Water Supply Scheme at Hiyanglam, Water Supply Scheme for Pangei and Adjoining Villages at Waiton, Water Supply Scheme at Sapam and Augmentation of Water Supply Scheme at Senapati.

To another question put up by MLA Mangi, TN Haokip said that there were four incomplete water supply plants within Kumbi Assembly constituency.

Pipe laying works are going on at Wangoo Terakhong and Borayangbi area.

For Kumbi Water Supply scheme, distribution of tap water has already begun, TN Haokip added.

Sawombung SDO office : After it was destroyed by fire in 2004, Sawombung SDO office was constructed in 2005-06 under ACA at the cost of Rs14,48,909 .

The reconstructed building is being used as Sawombung SDC office while the SDO's office is currently located inside Porompat DC office complex, said Revenue Minister Th Debendra answering a question raised by MLA Dr Ng Bijoy.

Assuring that he work to keep the SDO at Sawombung itself, Debendra claimed that out of 30 villages under jurisdiction of Sawombung SDO, verification of land records for nine villages have been completed.

There would be a re-survey after completing verification of the remaining villages, he added.

Moirang CHC : Altogether 35 staff including five doctors are working at Moirang Community Health Centre.

The Moirang CHC, considering its appropriate location for the people of Bishnupur district and large number of patients visiting it which stands at around 100 daily on average, would be upgraded to meet the requirements of patients, said Health Minister Ph Parijat in response to query put up by MLA M Prithiviraj.

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