Source: The Sangai Express / S Singlianmang Guite
Lamka, September 01 2010:
Having witnessed its more than a fair share of set backs throughout the twenty-six years of its construction, an uneasy controversy is hanging over the Khuga multipurpose project, following serious allegation of leakage, and the district civil societies deciding to treat the matter as a district issue.
The IFC Department, however denies the allegation made by JAC on Khuga Dam claiming 'there is no leakage in the dam filled area nor in the spillway portion' .
The latest twist came about after the JAC convened a consultative meeting early on August 30 morning on the issue and sought the opinion of civil society organisations.
The meeting after deliberating on the issue for over three hours decided to treat the matter as a district issue taking into consideration the serious nature of the allegation of leakage and called for a major reshuffle within the JAC leadership which until today was dominated mainly by disgruntled contractors.
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It also decided that a representative each from the major student bodies in the district will be deputed to work with the JAC while other tribal parent bodies including Kuki Inpi, Zomi Council, Mizo Peoples' Convention and Hmar Inpui will serve as consultants.
Opposing any attempt to inaugurate the dam until the intended facilities � water supply, power generation and irrigation are delivered to the people-and alerting the Prime Minister of the alleged leakage with substantial evidences were the other points adopted by the meeting.
The meetings' resolution said the people of Churachandpur has not only come to view Khuga Dam as a never ending project, already taking 26 years as it is, but also said that clearance of all pending bills to the contractors concerned should be another pre-condition for its inauguration.
Nevertheless, the IFC Department in its clarification has claimed that there is no defect in the component of the dam and as such sees no reason for people residing downstream to press the alarm button.
'There is no undue delay on the part of the project authority in making necessary payments to contractors and also for compensation cases,' added the release signed by Superintendent Engineer, Khuga Project Circle.