Imphal, February 01 2010: Manipur may face severe scarcity of drinking water in 20-30 years if remedial measures are not implemented in time, said IFC Minister N Biren while speaking in a function organised by Press Information Bureau (PIB) at Heingang Panthoibi Lampak today.

"The hills of Manipur are becoming barren with constant deforestation and the rivers are parched of water", the Minister said, "If there is no water in the springs and rivers, how can we provide potable water to the people" .

N Biren was speaking as chief guest in the inaugural function of the four-day Public Information Campaign on Central Government's flagship programmes, like NREGS, Bharat Nirman, ICDS, Mid-day meal, SSA and RTI etc.

The Minister also called on the general public to co-operate the State Government in protecting State forest areas and conservation of water.

"If we fail to take up necessary measures from now in this regard, we may face a severe scarcity of water in 20-30 years", the Minister cautioned.

Regarding power woes, N Biren blamed past Governments for not taking up steps with a vision.

He said that past Governments did not fix the High Tension (HT) lines coming from Silchar side by considering the future power needs of the State.

The power line is incapable of bearing the current power need of the State.

However, the State Government has started fixing of new lines from Silchar, he said, once the work is completed in March 2011, the State may not face power woes.

Regarding Central Government's flagship programmes, N Biren said that even 50 percent of the actual benefits are not reached to the people due to 'percentage cuts' and threats from various organisations.

Urging all concerned to think for the welfare of the masses, the Minister said, "We all must try not to go waste of these Central Government schemes, which were created with a vision of balanced development".

N Biren also urged upon the general public to be aware of their rights and responsibility in this regard.

Social Worker N Bormani and Heingang Gram Panchayat Pradhan L Manihar were the president and guest of honour of the function organised in association with DAVP, AIR Imphal, DDK Imphal, Song and Drama Division Imphal and DTE of Field Publicity.

Earlier, Minister N Biren also opened an exhibition that showcased photographs and handicraft products during the function.

People-expert interaction sessions, free medical and eye care camps and immunization will also be held during the four-day event.

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