CM rejects project fund misuse slur
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 14 2014 : Apparently reacting to persistent allegations by opposition political parties, more outrageously during the campaign for Parliamentary election, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh asserted that there has been no fund embezzlement related to the project on clearing floating biomass (phumdis) from the Loktak Lake.

Speaking to newpersons on the sidelines of inspecting infrastructure development works in Bishnupur district today, the CM said of the total fund outlay for the project only Rs 300 crore has been utilised till date, including afforestation activities in the periphery of the natural water body.

Categorically dismissing claims by the opposition, he said allegation that Rs 500 crore has been exhausted in the phumdis clearance project is unfounded and ridiculous.

Maintaining that 70 percent of the project task has been completed and exuding confidence that by December this year all the phumdis would be removed, the CM explained that phumdi clearance work is most ardous when the water level in low.

CM rejects project fund misuse slur

With the water level steadily rising the floating biomass are being blown towards Moirang and Sendra from where collection of the floating material is relatively easy, said Ibobi adding that phumdi removal work is also underway in full steam at Takmu area.

While inspecting the District Mini Sports Complex at Phubala the CM endured some torrid scene as some locals laid down on his feet fervently appealing to the CM for preserving the local playground.

Assuming that development of the sports complex will encroach on the playground used as practice field by the local footballers, they suggested that inspite of implementing the project the playground be spared for the sake of the local sportspersons.

Along with explaining that development of the sports complex will not affect sports activities in Phubala, the CM said when completed the same facility could be used by the locals.

Pointing out that sports complex is a component of the Government project to develop atleast one mini sports complex in all the districts, Ibobi also acknowledged that anxiety of the locals is due to lack of communication between the Government and the people.

Appealing for cooperation from the locals in the Government endeavour, the CM also invited the locals for minute discussion on every aspect of the project at a convenient date.

Regarding infrastructure development work of 2nd IRB headquarters at Naransena, he said stationing of the IRB battalion would be conducive for maintaining law and order in both Bishnupur and Churachandpur districts.

Due to its location on the fringe of the two districts movement of security personnel could be orderly and swift, mooted the CM adding that with only the final touches remaining the 2nd IRB headquarters in Khuman Lampak Sports complex would be shifted to the new site at the earliest.

Even though construction work at the Naransena facility was undertaken in 2006 and completed the next year some of the structures are in need for major repairing work due to non occupation of the same.

Of the structures in the 82.53 acres atleast five of the barracks were found to be in dilapidated condition.

Among others Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam and Commerce and Industries Minister Govindas Konthoujam also accompanied the CM.