Maphou Dam to be completed by December 2010: Biren
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, May 10 2009: MINISTER OF Irrigation and Flood Control (IFC) Nongthombam Biren today assured that the Thoubal Multipurpose Project (Maphou Dam) will be completed within the stipulated time which is December 2010 .

He also said that he will write to the Union Home Minister on the matter of non-implementation of agreement on security that was signed between the Manipur government and the Assam Rifles.

IFC Minister N Biren noting down important points from officials at Maphou dam site

Inspecting the progress of the construction of the Dam today, IFC Minister N Biren, who was accompanied by officials of the department, confidently assured that the project will be completed within the stipulated time for the completion of the project set earlier by the government, i.e., December 2010 .

Biren told reporters that though the Thoubal Multipurpose Project has been started since 1980, the work progress has been impeded due to some obstacles from various quarters.

He said that the construction work of the dam has been entrusted with Progressive Construction Limited, Hyderabad while the spillway works have been entrusted with the Ansal Property and Infrastructure Limited, Delhi working day and night.

Biren observes that the construction works have been slowed down due to withdrawal of some security personnel for the Lok Sabha election while adding however that the works will progress as usual with the re-deployment of security with the ending of the election.

Biren estimates that around 47.25 crore might have been spent in the construction of the dam though the sanction for the dam has been estimated to be around 715.81 crore in 2005.The install capacity of power by the dam is 7.5 mega watts and having the cultivable command area of 21, 862 hectares.

The largest earthen dam in the entire North Eastern States with a depth of 66 metres and a width of 1074 metres, five villages � Phayang Kuki, Louphong Tangkhul, Chadong Tangkhul, Lamlai Khunou and Lamlai Khullen, and Lamlai Mongbung villages � have been submerged by the dam.

Biren said that the submerged villagers have been already compensated.

Biren asserted that the agitation launched by small villages in the downstream is not justified while saying that there has been no record of collection of stones and sands from the river.

At the same time, showing displeasure over the non-implementation of the agreement signed with the Assam Rifles for providing security, N Biren said that he will intimate the Home Ministry on the matter.