Rs 2, 900 crores sanctioned under Jal Jeevan mission

Pothashang News Service: Imphal, August 19, 2019: The New Development Bank has approved and sanctioned an amount of around Rs. 2900 crores for executing the Jal Jeevan Mission of the Jal Shakti ministry, said Manipur chief minister N.Biren Singh at the inaugural function of the Augmentation of Water Supply Scheme for Thoubal (Waithoupat), Thoubal district on Monday.

The state government has already taken steps for the conservation and restoration of water bodies and wetlands of the state. A total of around Rs. 22-25 lakhs has been earmarked in the budget for the restoration of some lakes of the state, Biren said.

“When we execute our work with sincerity and dedication, then there will be prosperity in the state.” The government, since its installation, has been focusing in sectors like education, health and water supply. The inauguration of Waithoupat water supply project is one of the biggest achievements of the government, he added.

He appreciated the PHE minister Losii Dikho, chief engineer and officials of the department for completing the construction work in such a short duration.

Biren said the Green Manipur Mission was launched to protect and develop forests in the state and also to encourage the citizens to plant more trees. He maintained that water bodies would be dried up if we don’t protect and develop the forests. Around 235 villages have approached the government that they are willing to provide at least five acres of land for development of forest under the mission.

Minister Losii Dikho said it is the long cherished dream of the government that the Waithoupat Water Supply scheme would provide drinking water in the Thoubal area. To provide drinking water to all the people in the state is the priority of the present government. It is the duty and responsibility of all to conserve water, he added.

 The project cost for the construction of Waithoupat Water Supply Scheme is Rs. 44.21 crores with a capacity of 18 MLD. The scheme would provide drinking water to Thoubal and its surrounding areas. M/S Keystone Infra Pvt. Ltd. had started the construction work in July, 2016.

 Member of Parliament Dr . Lorho S. Pfoze, MLA K. Meghachandra , PHE commissioner Nidhi Kesarwani, secretary to CM Ningthoujam Geoffrey, DC and SP of Thoubal district, Chief Engineer (PHE) H. Sunil Singh, officials of PHE and others attended the function.