Finally, Khuga Dam becomes functional
Source: The Sangai Express / S Singlianmang Guite

Lamka, June 20 2009: Seemingly pointless for almost thirty years, Khuga Dam built over the Khuga river here at long last started delivering as it began to irrigate several acres of cultivable land located in its periphery.

"It is here for you all to see.

When many parts of the state are facing a drought like situation, paddy fields here are over flooded with water, IFC Minister N Biren told a group of reporters as he showed them the irrigated field the first difference the multi-crore project has made ever since its commencement in the early eighties.

IFC Minister N Biren inspecting irrigated fields and (bottom) Khuga locals collecting water from the Khuga riverbeds

Visiting the dam along with MLA Dr Ratan, the minister was visibly ecstatic to witness the difference Khuga Dam has finally made in the area.

Trailing along the eastern canal that was functional for about 20 kms complete with his entourage, the Minister and his accompanying officials made more than a dozen halt solely to have a glimpse of the water logged fields that were irrigated by Khuga Dam through its canal.

On the western front, about 2 kms of canal have irrigated the paddy fields but officials have projected that in the next couple of weeks it will reach 6 to 7 kms.

"The canal has to cross over a sizeable river, so it was hindering our delivery.

In the next one or two weeks that portion of the canal will be cleared, claimed department officials.

Farmers of the irrigated field were elated as well.

"its a dream come true, said a man who headed to the filed along with his buffalo as this correspondent struggled to cross the water logged terrains of Misao Lhahvom village.

Thrilled to witness the dam waters logging the vast spread of paddy fields along the canals, it was all smiles for Biren and Dr Ratan.

At every available opportunity the minister was with a thums-up sign for The Sangai Express.

He was convulsed with a rare smile all around his face.

After all, he has seen the dam water serving a purpose unlike many of his predecessors.

The savor atmosphere was felt all the more as the minister instructed department officials to immediately intimate the district Superintendent of Police to withdraw any case against the fragmented contractors.

Accordingly, a memo requesting the SP to treat all the cases against members of the (contractors) forum may be taken as nil, was issued.

In the words of seasoned contractor, Mangbeldam, "we have been working all through day and night to bring the canal waters here".

A sign of the strict instruction he had received from the department after The Sangai Express has carried the true picture of the dam following several hollow promises.

And, again after the reports on The Sangai Express about the conscious failure of the PHE department to bring dam waters to quench the thirst of township, the department appears to set in motion its machinery as pipelines were beginning to make its appearance along the streets.

If the trend continues, the occasionally tossed inauguration may at long last become a reality provided there is a political will and the power aspect given the back seat as always.