CM extends Khuga Project deadline, again
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 25: The Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh has set yet another date for completion/commissioning of the Khuga Multipurpose Project being constructed over the Khuga river in Mata village of Churachandpur district.

The Chief Minister today inspected progress (or lack of it) on construction of the dam portion of the project, irrigation canal system and the arrangement for supplying drinking water to the people.

Picture speaks: Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh inspects Khuga Multi-purpose project

In his last inspection visit on April 20 this year, Ibobi announced that the project would be commissioned within June this year.

However, today, he said the State Government is keeping the target of completing the project within March next year, before end of the financial year.

The Chief Minister also grilled IFC officials when they said jacketing of the spillway of the dam would take three months due to technical reasons.

Talking to reporters after the inspection, the Chief Minister assured that the ongoing construction work for providing irrigation facilities and supplying drinking water would be completed by December this year.

As for the power house, it might take some more time on account of the need to replace all the outdated and rusted machineries procured earlier.

Nonetheless, it is being targeted to complete the entire project before March next, he added.

The Chief Minister explained that instances of calling bandh and blockade frequently in Manipur is one of the main reasons for the protracted delay in completion of the project.

That is why the State Government has decided to take up action against the sponsors of such disruptive agitation, he said.

Construction work of the dam began in 1993-84 at an estimated cost of Rs 283.50 crores.

The height of the earth-filled dam is 35 metres and its total length 300 metres.

The canal system being constructed on the side of Saidan village would be able to irrigate cultivable lands located upto to 60 kms.

IFC Minister N Biren, PHE Minister TN Haokip, Power Minister Phungzathang Tonsing and Chief Secretary Jarnail Singh accompanied the Chief Minister in today's inspection.

Officials of department concerned engaged in the project works had been at the receiving end of the Chief Minister's scathing attack due to apparent slackness in expediting the works with an instance of a visibly upset O Ibobi Singh leaving the project site in haste on seeing lethargic pace of work progress.