PM may inaugurate Mapithel Dam, says Letpao
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 14 2018: Conveying that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may probably inaugurate Mapithel Dam and Dolaithabi Barrage Project in March this year, as the construction works of the two projects have been almost completed, WRD Minister Letpao Haokip appealed to all, particularly the villagers of the sites and the surrounding areas not to call any bandh or blockade.

He made the appeal while speaking to media persons during a inspection visit to the two project sites today.

Asserting that almost 99 per cent of the two projects have been completed, the WRD Minister informed that only the earth work of around 8000 cubic meters area and the construction of some sliding portion remain unfinished in Mapithel Dam.

Construction of canals for water diversion and stone pitching portions are some of the works left for Dolaithabi Barrage, he added.

He exuded confidence that the remaining works of both the projects can be finished by the month of February and stated that the officials concerned have been instructed to complete the pending works by the said month.

Stating that the projects taken up by the Government is for the welfare of the people, Letpao said that the Government does not have any intention to forcibly carry out any construction works against the interests of the villagers.

He then appealed to the villagers residing at the project sites as well as those settled in surrounding villages not to misunderstand the Government's initiatives or stand against the Government and instead cooperate with the State Government.

There are around seven different groups in the villages where the projects are being taken up as well as in the nearby villages, who put forward their grievances and made some demands to the Government, he said The Government cannot fulfill all of their demands as the Government does not have the capability to do so and some of their demands are even inappropriate.

However, every possible help will be extended by the Government, he maintained.

He went to say that rehabilitation works for the villagers, construction of houses under Government's housing scheme, levelling of land, construction of school and giving fishing rights to them are being taken into consideration.

Saying that he won't compromise on quality maintenance in construction or any projects, Letpao asked all the engineers and contractors concerned to execute all contract works effectively and efficiently.

He also asked them not to seek protection of MLAs or any influential person close to them when they fail to execute the works properly.

He also warned that he would follow all the rules and regulations strictly when it comes to all the projects under his supervision.

Informing that cleaning of river beds of will resume very soon, he said that the people had been informed to voluntarily dismantle or remove any structures built on the banks of all major rivers through the DCs and Chief Engineers concerned under Manipur Flood Plain Zoning Act.

He continued that the Government will dismantle all the structures built on the river banks as per the provisions of the said Act if the owners do not heed the Government orders within the stipulated time.

He then asked the public not to revolt against the Government when it take up legal actions and appealed to the people to cooperate with the Government.

The Minister was accompanied by WRD Secretary Th Gopen Meitei, the department's Chief Engineer Ksh Pritam Singh and Additional Chief Engineer Y Jugeshwor Singh during the inspection trip.

Letpao halted a construction work at Mapithel Dam suddenly when he found the sand use in it in was of low quality and ordered the concerned officials to replace the sand with another of higher quality.

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