CPI MLA points out the vulnerable areas in case of a Japan like disaster
Mangi stresses on the need for preparedness
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 17 2011: It is time to learn a lesson or two from the tragedy that quake-hit Japan is going through today and necessary pre-cautionary measures should be taken up in States like Manipur which fall within one of the five seismic zones, MLA N Mangi of CPI observed in the Assembly today.

The earthquake also damaged nuclear plants spreading apprehension that it could lead to people being exposed to radio-active particles.

Having experienced devastating earthquakes before, Japan is one among the countries to have taken up necesssary responsive measures when and if such a natural disaster strikes.

Participating in the discussion on the demands of various Departments, Mangi said that considering the turn of events in Japan after its north eastern part was ravaged by an earthquake triggered tsunami, Manipur should take extra care of its existing earthern dams.

Despite its location within one of the five seismic zones, Manipur is still ill-prepared and in the event of similar quakes hitting Manipur, there would be no time for evacuating people settled along the downstream areas of Khuga Dam, Singda Dam, etc, Mangi said, while pointing out that the site where Tipaimukh dam is proposed to be constructed too is an earthquake prone area.

Recalling the destruction caused to the dams in Gujarat when its city Bhuj was hit by earthquake in 2001, Mangi drew the attention of the Chief Minister and the Minister of Irrigation and Flood Control to take up necessary precautionary measures in consultation with experts while there is time.

Responding to the points raised by the MLA, IFC, Minister of Irrigation and Flood Control N Biren pointed out that most incidents of flood in Manipur are flash floods and co-ordination among various departments is essential to make the impact lighter.

To reduce the impact of recurring flood from Ithai barrage, four regulators are being set up at Nongmaikhong, Sairenkhong and Ungathen to lift the sluice gates of the barrage in case of overflowing.

For dredging the river beds, LDA has also procured a machine from Holland, the Minister said.

Responding to the queries with regard to demands of Labour Department, Minister Biren, who is also in charge of Labour, informed the House that the Centre has provided fund to the tune of Rs 20 lakhs for conducting a survey to find out how many bonded labourers are there in Manipur.

The survey would be conducted by Committees headed by respective Deputy Commissioners of the districts as chairmen.

He further informed the House that following an instruction from the Supreme Court, keeping aside one percent of allocated fund to take up welfare programmes of the labourers in Manipur has been started and the Centre has also provided Rs 7 crores for the purpose.

In the discussion of the demands for Election Department, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, while commenting on the queries raised by the MLAs, informed the House that photo identity cards would be used in the upcoming Assembly election even if preparation of photo electoral rolls are not completed cent percent.

So far, preparation of photo electoral rolls with regard to Imphal East district 93 percent of the work has been completed , 95 percent in Imphal West, 93 percent for Bishnupur, 95 percent in Thoubal, 84 percent in Chandel, 76 percent in Ukhrul, 92 percent in Senapati, 94 percent in Tamenglong and 91 percent in Churachandpur district.

During the discussion on the demands of Revenue Department, Law and Revenue Minister Th Devendra informed the House that no survey has been conducted to demarcate the controversial Haraorokching located between Senjam Chirang and Koutruk and the said controversial.

Senjam Chirang and Koutruk and the said controversial hillock does not falls within Sadar Hills.

Contradicting the Minister, MLA O Joy of the Opposition pointed out that a survey had been conducted at Haraorokching in 1960 .

The Law Minister also announced in the House that a separate court for maintenance of parents and senior citizens would be set up instead of being clubbing together under the Family Court.

In the Assembly session today, demands related to State Legislature (Rs 30,02,11,000), Council of Ministers (Rs 4,45,28,000), Secretariat (Rs 51,10,06,00), Land Revenue Stamps & Registration and District Administration (Rs 47,55,92,000), Labour and Employment (Rs 14,45,52,000), Animal Husbandry ( Rs 60,79,24,000), Administration of Justice (Rs 16,00,61,000), Election (Rs 9,06,29,000) and IFCD (Rs 3,41,25,37,000) have been passed after thorough discussion.

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