John K. Kaping
UKHRUL, Nov.11: Ukhrul district is today faced with lack of proper drinking water due to the failure of the distribution system in all villages of the district. However, the water distribution system is being remodelled to ensure the crisis is resolved, stated LK Somi, executive engineer PHED, Ukhrul while talking to this correspondent in his office chamber.
He has further asserted that the Kasom Khullen Block, Ukhrul district which are a conglomeration of 44 villages altogether face the basic problem of non-availability of drinking water for which the people of the district had to walk long distances to collect water from the many natural water sources like streams and springs where water is ready available.
In order to solve the problem of lack of drinking water in the district, the government has already procured Rs 3 crore worth of GI pipes, which will helped the villages in canalizing water throughout the hilly terrain of Ukhrul district, he said.
Another Rs 1.35 crore has been procured for Riha/Raote and Rs 1.75 crore has been earmarked for Shiroi and Ukhrul, whereas another Rs 2.04 crore has been allocated to Shangshak village for procuring GI pipes meant for canalizing of water. Further arrangements for other villages like Phungyar, Kamjong, Lungbi,Lunghar, Kuirei, Kalhang, Chingai head quarter, Marem,, Luirei Shimphung and Awangkasom villages will be soon taken up, he said.
The officer further disclosed that Dr. Majunta, dy advisor, Ministry of Rural Development, Department of Drinking water, Central Government along with the Ukhrul EE had inspected the work taken up at Riha village during his last visit to the district for the smooth implementation of the works.
He also stated that the Central officer had assured to expedite the necessary measures in this regard for Tolloi Village and had also put forward to employ rain water harvesting in the case of Phungyar village.
It may be mentioned here that it used to be a problem for visitors to find water in the interior places of the district and people quarrelling over the issue of filling up of water has always been a common feature in the villages.