Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, Jul 27:
The restrictions placed on the transportation of cement by an underground outfit at Dimapur have literally grounded the Thoubal Multi-purpose project which was projected to be completed by 2008.Speaking to The Sangai Express a reliable source said that the Chief Minister has already written to the Prime Minister to highlight the situation.
Though the construction work of Thoubal Multi-purpose project was taken up many years back, it was left unattended.
It was only when the SPF Government came to power that efforts to revive the project were taken up.
Compensations to be paid to the affected people have been worked out and rehabilitation schemes have also been taken up, informed the source.
The source said that cadres of the said underground outfit stopped transportation of cement meant for the project at Dimapur on the ground that it has affected their people from the beginning of this month.
The outfit could make out the cement meant for the project as it is of the 43 grade type while the other cement brand being brought in to the State are 33 grade, said the source adding that the cement is procured from the Cement Corporation of India, Orissa.
At the moment about 1300 MT of cement is stranded at Dimapur, said the source.
Chief Secretary Jarnail Singh has also got in touch with the Cement Corporation of India to ensure that the consignments reach Manipur soon.
About 3000 bags of cement are needed per day for the construction work of the spillway which is being taken up by Ansal Company while the Earth dam being built by PCL requires 300 bags per day.
The Thoubal Multi-purpose project is estimated to generate 7.5 megawatts of power besides providing irrigation facilities.