Bishnupur: Water Resource Minister, Awangbow Newmai inspected the machinery and canals under the Loktak Lift Irrigation in the Bishnupur district Wednesday. Moirang MLA, Thongam Shanti, and officials from the Water Resource Department accompanied the minister during the inspection.
During the inspection of Pump House-I located at Ningthoukhong, department officials informed the minister that the installation of the newly procured water pumps will be completed within two months.
The team led by Minister Awangbow also inspected the canal stretch from Ningthoukhong to Okshongbung in Moirang. Few encroachers along the canals were directed to shift immediately for the smooth operation of the project.
Farmers apprised the Minister that several waterways have been jammed by mud accumulating in the pipelines buried under the bridges. Officials assured the farmers that all the water blockages will be cleared at the earliest possible.
Farmers were further assured during the inspection that adequate cow-passing bridges will be built across the canal to ensure convenient passage for farm cattle.
Speaking to media persons on the sideline of the inspection, Minister Awangbow exuded confidence that the water woes of farmers within the area will be drastically reduced once the new water pumps are operational. Taking strong exceptions to the encroachment on canals and a rivulet in Moirang, Minister Awangbow appealed for cooperation from the people to tackle flood and irrigation problems in the State.
Chief Engineer, G. Robindro Sharma, Superintending Engineers, Executive Engineer, and other officials from Water Resource Department also accompanied the minister during the inspection.
