IMPHAL Feb 27: The time of completion for the Thoubal Multipurpose Project has been fixed within March 2012 by the state government again.
The Chief Minister along with IFCD minister N Biren went to the project site and took stock of the work progress today.
Though, the earlier date for completion of the project was scheduled on early as 1987,til date the project remained uncompleted due to many factors including unavailability of raw materials, law and order situation and delay in bringing machines and parts along the National Highways. Another major cause for delay was the rehabilitation of the displaced villagers affected by the dam and lack of central funding.
Even though, major hiccups were cause for the delay, the state government is going all out for the completion of the project on a war footing with many major components nearing completion.
A press release from the Chief Minister Secretariat states that the work progress of the earthen part of the dam is 78 % complete and 79% complete for the spillway, a 100% completion for the barrage works. The nearly 58 kilometer long left and right canal is 86.80% completed.
The project was commenced from May 1980 following a green signal from the planning commission and a subsequent allocation of 47.25 crores. However, on total completion of the project ,a total of 982 crores will be required and the amount have been sanctioned by the center following revision of the financial revised expenditure of the said project by the Planning Commission.
On completion of the project, at least 33,449 hectares of land will be irrigated; 10 million gallons of drinking water will be provided on a daily basis and will generate 7.5 megawatts of power.
Chief Minister O Ibobi voiced satisfaction on the pace of work at the Maphou Dam site. `We have plans for completion of the project within March 2012, work is speedy and we hope for major completion of works before the monsoon comes. The potable water from the project will benefit even the urban areas`,he stated.
`Prepaid power metre system to be launched`
The Chief Minister talking to media persons on the sidelines of his Thoubal Multipurpose Project stated that in order to improve the power supply of the state , the state government have decided to implement pre paid power meter system in the state. `Government has decided to install prepaid power metres for effective tariff collection on a trail basis before April 2011.` He further stated that at least 60% of the total power allocation of the state is consumed by the greater Imphal area and, implementation of the system will begin at Imphal city shortly.
On questioned about the present protest stand of the teachers demanding 6th pay status in toto, the CM stated that as resources of the state are lacking, the state government cannot comply with their demands at present. `We view the seriousness of the situation and the impact on the student community, we have to address the interest of the teachers, but it will take time, any demands from whomsoever can never be given out 100% and both sides needs to take a step backward and try to reconcile in public interest`, the CM said.
The CM also stated that the state government after consultation with the sports department will felicitate the state medalists of the concluded National Games held at Jharkhand. He also stated that after consultation with the Center, the work of the Locomotive Factory proposed in the state will commence shortly.
