Imphal, Feb 19:
Chief Minister N. Biren Singh today launched the Water Treatment Plant being constructed at Chingkheiching, Imphal East, by releasing its water from the plant. The plant has a capacity of 45 MLD. With the launch, the plant will start providing water to some areas of Imphal City initially.
Appreciating the officials of the Public Health Engineering Department and the contractor for their dedicated efforts to provide water to the public to some extent, he stated that the source of water for the plant will be Thoubal Dam. He maintained that the State Government had been putting all possible efforts to provide tap water to the public.
He expressed satisfaction that, once the pipeline work is completed, the plant at Chingkheiching would be able to provide water to various parts of Imphal, including those areas which were provided from Singda Dam.
The Chief Minister continued that there had been apprehension among the public about the scarcity of water at sources like Singda Dam, adding that the drying up of water sources is mainly due to large scale deforestation. He also stressed on the possibility of providing tap water to entire Imphal areas by the plant for the period before the rainy season. He further informed that the State Government had been working on to get water from various sources including Loktak Lake, Ijei River near Tupul and Barak River from Karong side, adding that projects are being made for the same to increase water sources.
Stating that many people are very irresponsible in their use of water and wasting it, he stressed the need for judicious use of water. He also raised concern on many people making holes in the main pipe for getting water connection, adding that such activities have been the cause of making water dirty. He further cited mass deforestation at hill areas for poppy plantation and degradation of wetlands due to encroachment as the main cause of water scarcity.
N. Biren spoke on the appreciation and the comments made by the G20 delegates on the scenic beauty and tourism potential of the State during their recent visit. He continued that he appreciated the Government Officials and the public for the immense cooperation and support to hold the G20 event in the State successfully.
The Chief Minister also sought support from the public towards various development works of the Government, making an appeal to all the public to plant a tree each before the onset of the rainy season.
Addressing the gathering, Public Health Engineering Minister Leishangthem Susindro Meitei informed that the plant has the capacity of 45 MLD and its project cost is Rs. 188 Crore. Mentioning that many places of Imphal West which were provided from Singda Dam are not getting water supply due to drying up of the water source, he stated the Department is also trying to provide water supply to these areas from the plant.
The Minister also raised concern about the effect of making holes in the main pipe of water supply, adding such activity had caused water dirty and had been a cause of wastage of water.
The programme was also attended by Secretary, Government of Manipur Namoijam Kheda Varta, officials of Public Health Engineering Department and Keystone Infra Pvt. Ltd. among others.
Later, the Chief Minister also visited the Water Supply Scheme constructed at Porompat, near the TV tower, and also released its water supply.
