Imphal, Jul 24: Chief Minister O Ibobi was pleased to observe the encouraging pace of the Khuga Multi-purpose construction work.

He has announced provisions for five bundles of GI sheets and a bag (100 kg) of rice to each of the 720 families affected by the project.

The Chief Minister accompanied by IFCD Minister Phungzathang Tonsing, Power Minister Francis Ngajokpa, Chief Secretary Jarnail Singh and other officials undertook an inspection tour of the project site today.

The earthen dam of the project is 100 percent complete and construction of irrigation canals are half way through.

Only some portions of the four spill way gates remain for the full completion of the project.

The State Government is aiming to complete the remaining works by November and to commission the project expected to generate 1.50 MW of power in March next year.

Moreover the project is expected to supply potable water to Churachandpur town and irrigate 14.755 acres of agricultural land.

On the other hand, the dam would submerge 7 villages while another 7 would be directly affected.

Further 720 households would be displaced.

After the inspection tour, a reception ceremony of the Chief Minister and his party was organised by the Khuga Dam Submerged Affected Committee at Lamzang village.

Addressing the gathering O Ibobi said that once the dam is commissioned 80 percent of Churachandpur would have access to safe drinking water besides several other benefits in the field of irrigation and power.

He further appealed to the villagers not to provide shelter to the UGs at their place so as not to jeopardise the Govt's plan to develop the site as a tourist centre with the objective to enhance the income sources of the people.

On the other hand, the Chief Minister was peeved at the slow pace of power house construction work and instructed the IFCD Chief Engineer to hire more man power.

IFCD Minister Phungzathang stated that the Government had provided Rs 7.40 crores as compensation for land and other properties affected by the dam.

He further appealed to the villagers to cooperate in the successful operation of the project.

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