Imphal: Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Sunday launched a water treatment plant being constructed at Chingkheiching, Imphal East district, by releasing its water.
The launch of the 45 MLD plant will pave the way for providing water to some areas of Imphal City initially.
Appreciating the officials of the Public Health Engineering Department and the contractor for their dedicated efforts to provide water to the public to some extent, he stated that the source of water for the plant will be from Thoubal Dam.
He said that the state government had been making all possible efforts to provide tap water to the public. Once the pipeline work is completed, the plant at Chingkheiching would be able to provide water to various parts of Imphal, including those areas that were supplied by Singda Dam.
The Chief Minister said there had been apprehension among the public about the scarcity of water at sources like Singda Dam, adding that the drying up of water sources is mainly due to large-scale deforestation. He also emphasised the plant’s ability to provide tap water to entire Imphal areas prior to the rainy season.
The state government has been working on getting water from various sources, including Loktak Lake, the Ijei River near Tupul, and the Barak River from the Karong side, adding that projects are being made for the same to increase water sources.
Stating that many people are very irresponsible in their use of water and waste it, he stressed the need for judicious use of water. He also raised concern about many people making holes in the main pipe to get water connections, adding that such activities have been the cause of making the water dirty. He further cited mass deforestation in hilly areas for poppy plantations and the degradation of wetlands due to encroachment as the main causes of water scarcity.
Biren spoke on the appreciation and comments made by the G20 delegates on the scenic beauty and tourism potential of the state during their recent visit. He continued that he appreciated the government officials and the public for their immense cooperation and support in holding the G20 event in the state successfully.
The Chief Minister also sought public support for the government’s various development projects, urging everyone to plant a tree before the rainy season began.
Public Health Engineering Minister Leishangthem Susindro Meitei informed that the plant has a capacity of 45 MLD and its project cost is Rs. 188 crore. He stated that the department is also attempting to provide water to these areas from the plant, citing that many places in Imphal West that were supplied with water by Singda Dam no longer do so due to the drying up of the water source.
The Minister also expressed concern about the impact of drilling holes in the main water supply pipe, claiming that such activity had caused the water to become dirty and had resulted in water waste.
