Imphal, December 22: In all six River Lift Irrigation (RLI) Schemes and one mini dam constructed in Kumbi Kendra of Bishnupur district under Minor Irrigation Dept, Govt of Manipur with funding from different agencies were inaugurated yesterday.

The inaugural function of the six RLI schemes constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 9 lakhs each at Kumbi Salan Konjil, Kumbi Terakha, Ithai Khunou, Wangoo Ahallup Makha Leikai Khongkha, Chairel Leingangtabi and Napet and the mini dam constructed at Wangoo Borayangbi at estimated cost of Rs 50 lakhs was attended by Minor irrigation Minister Ph Parijat and Commerce and Industries Minister N Mangi as chief guest and president respectively.

Speaking at the occasion, Parijat noted that in a State like Manipur where agriculture is the main occupation, Minor Irrigation Dept is an important Dept and hence has been taking up various developmental works for the last many years with the main objective on keeping the field to remain green and productive.

Implementation of RLI schemes so as to ensure that the water from the river is utilised for the right purpose and at the right time is one such developmental programmes that the Dept has been paying special attention, he added.

While pointing out that the maintenance of the RLI schemes is to be done by the water users committee themselves, the Minister, however noted that the Govt has been making necessary measures for providing electricity to help in proper maintenance of these schemes.

In his presidential address, Commerce and Industries Minister N Mangi observed that normally each of the inaugurated RLI schemes would have the capacity of irrigating 25 to 30 hectares of land but the capacity would be increased upto 100 to 200 hectares of land during Rabi season.

So successful implementation of these schemes would help in making the State self sufficient in food production, he hoped.

The Minister further assured that efforts would be made for completion of all the developmental works specially water supply and road repairing works being taken in Kumbi kendra.

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