Retaining wall works on IFCD radar
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 27 2011:
Apparently stung by the collapse of Nambul River retaining wall section in Takyel Khongban area recently, top officials of Irrigation and Flood Department (IFCD) today carried out an inspection tour of similar works being undertaken/completed along the banks of Iril, Kongba and Imphal rivers.
Aimed at checking inundation of low lying areas during monsoon season as a consequence of breach of river banks of these three important rivers construction of retaining walls at vulnerable portions was initiated under the supervision of IFCD at an estimated cost of Rs 2.5 crores.
During the inspection tour, the IFCD official team led by its Chief Engineer Th Indramani minutely monitored whether prescribed construction norms were complied with by the construction agencies/contractors.
It came to light that retaining wall construction activities at Naharup Pangong section of Iril River is nearing completion while about 1/3 of similar work at near Irilbung Bridge has been completed.
at Keirao Motum and Kongpal Kongkham areas the entire work has been found completed compared to work going on in full swing at Heingang Ahallup Awang Leikai section of the same river.
Regarding the retaining wall construction taken up opposite to Kalimai Mandir the work is on the verge of completion.
A spectators' gallery is also under construction at the said site with the retaining wall as its base.
Speaking to newspersons, who accompanied the inspection team, Chief Engineer Th Indramani informed that retaining wall construction along the three river banks was/is being implemented under the Department's Flood Control and Drainage Division to control flow of the river during the rainy seasons and prevent losses caused by breach of weak embankments.
Informing that strengthening of vulnerable section of the river banks is being implemented as a long term programme to prevent flooding of residential areas, he also confided that the said works are being implemented through the financial provisions of Special Plan Assistance, NABARD and Accelerated Irrigation Benefited Programme.
Disclosing that fund crunch of the State Government is one of the factors for the Department's inability to conceive flood control measures, he also suggested that construction of retaining walls at the rate of 50 to 100 in a calendar year would be helpful in effectively tackling the monsoon menace.
He also conceded that the department endured embarrassing situation when local residents accused the Department of incompetency when seepage in the retaining wall at near Kalimai Mandir section of Imphal river in October last caused great discomfort to the general public.
Asserting that such a situation would not be repeated in future, the Chief Engineer also informed that flood control measures would be sustained through the year with whatever fund is made available to the Department.
He also urged the general public for continuous support and vigilance so that contractors concerned comply with prescribed norms.
IFCD's Executive Engineer Ch Ranabir, another member of the inspection team, urged for public support in the proper maintenance of the Imphal and Iril river banks as they are important water source for people settled along the bank.
The Department's Superintending Engineer S Dhanabir was also a member of the inspection team.
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