IMPHAL | Dec 13 : The construction of three minor irrigation (MI) dams have been found to be completed at paper only for which 44.48 lakhs had been withdrawn as expenditure for construction in Khoupum area, Noney district.
This was found during a field inspection held by Nungba Kendra Citizen Forum with a team of media persons yesterday. The team visited five MI dams in the area and fond that thee three of them have not been constructed at all.
The first is MI dam at Luwanglong Khullen Village under Langthaophai meant to be built under the agency, Achungpao Raimei, for which total tender amount is Rs. 26.14 lakhs and the withdrawn amount is Rs. 8.45 lakhs.
Second is MI dam at Duigumpang river under Khoupum Gaidingjang meant to be built under the agency, K. Brajeshwor Sharma for which the total tender amount is Rs 26.14 lakhs and withdrawn amount is Rs. 19.02 lakhs, and lastly, MI dam at Lamreithok river under Riangpang.
Not a single trace of construction was found at these three dams though the agencies had withdrawn a total amount of 44.48 lacs.
The dams which have been found actually constructed and functioning since last two years, are MI dam at Longkhuailong Village on Meingchollok river built under the agency Achungpao Raimei, for which total tender amount is Rs. 26.14 lakhs and withdrawn amount is Rs. 10.60 lakhs and MI dam at Lumbanglong village on Khunupu river built under the agency, Achungpao Raimei, total tender amount is Rs. 21.78 lakhs and the withdrawn amount is Rs. 11.51 lakhs.
Speaking to media person on the work site, chairman, Nungba Kendra Citizen Forum (NKDF), Aphuna Gangmei said the forum had urged for a joint field inspection with the department but they refused to co-operate with the forum. He said the data was found on the vide letter numbered CE/MID/RTI/2015-16 dated October 31, of section 6 (I) of the RTI act 2015.
As the department had refused to co-operate, the forum including the media team inspected the work. He condemned the agencies for not constructing MI dams after expenditure amount had been withdrawn from the department.
He appealed the concerned department to take necessary steps against those who had embezzled the funds and complete the construction urgently for the welfare of the people who are settling in the area. If timely steps are not taken NKDF will take necessary actions, Aphuna asserted.
Source: Imphal Free Press
