IMPHAL, October 9: People of Andro constituency living downstream of the Thoubal Dam Multipurpose Project and Thoubal Barrage are facing acute shortage of drinking water, said Apunba Nupi Kunai Lamjing Meira Lup Andro Kendra president, Asem Ibetombi drawing the attention of Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and local MLA Th Shyamkumar to provide potable water for people.
She said the villages from Moirangpurel, Tumkhong till Yairipok are facing much problem in getting potable water.
Speaking at a press meet at Yairipok Top Chingtha Village, Ibetombi said the people of the constituency welcome any developmental work undertaken in the area which would benefit the entire State, however, the people living downstream have been facing the acute shortage for long.
She said the dam water is released only during the rainy season, and blocked during the dry season; as such there is no water in the Thoubal River for the downstream population to use.
At present the river water level is running low due to the closure of the dam shutter, she said.
Even the little water left is polluted due to the washing of red sand in the river, she continued.
Unfortunately, the water supply schemes located in Andro areas pump water from the river, but since there is not much water, all the schemes have failed to supply water, she said.
She further appealed to Chief Minister and the other MLAs to provide drinking water to the people at the earliest.
She also lamented that the roads around the project area are in deplorable conditions due to the frequent movement of heavy vehicles for the project.
Since, Andro is being projected as a tourist attraction, the government should be mindful enough to maintain the road conditions, she added.