Imphal, Oct 8 | EKHON: Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah on Thursday met Union Minister for Water Resources C.R. Patil and urged the Centre to intervene in the acute drinking-water crisis in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts of Manipur.
In a representation to Patil on September 17, the MLA had sought central assistance for the proposed Kongva Multi-Purpose River Valley Project, for which the Water Resources Department of the Manipur government has prepared a preliminary project report.
The project envisages multiple components, including drinking-water supply, flood control, irrigation, power generation, tourism and fisheries. According to Muivah, the proposed water supply component would benefit Ukhrul and Kamjong districts and parts of Imphal East.
“While the rest of the world takes 24X7 water supply in the kitchen or bathroom for granted, here in Ukhrul, Jerusalem of Manipur, our mothers, sisters and daughters have to get up at the break of dawn to fetch water from springs in the forest,” Muivah said after meeting the Union Minister.
The MLA said the shortage was particularly acute in several areas of Ukhrul and Kamjong, including settlements along the NH-202 corridor towards the northern and eastern parts of the districts. In his September representation, he listed Lunghar, Nungbi, Kalhang, Kuirei, Marem, Ngahui, Chingjaroi, Razai and Kharasom among the affected areas in Ukhrul, and several villages in Kamjong.
Muivah said the proposed project was also intended to address the recurring impact of flash floods on agricultural land. Paddy fields in the two districts, he said, are periodically washed away or submerged, causing losses to farming households.
The MLA also drew the Minister’s attention to the absence of electricity in 21 villages in Ukhrul and Kamjong, particularly in border areas.
“When the sun sets, our people in border areas feel as if they are blind,” he said.
In his September letter, Muivah had described the drinking-water shortage as a matter of “life and death” for the people of the two districts and requested funding through the Ministry of Water Resources or externally aided projects, including those supported by the New Development Bank.
The proposed Kongva project, according to the preliminary project report, is intended to serve not only as a source of drinking water but also for irrigation and flood management, besides generating power and supporting tourism and fisheries.
Muivah said Patil gave him a patient hearing and assured him of “all possible help” under his Ministry.
“Water is life,” the Union Minister was quoted as telling the MLA.
Muivah said improving basic infrastructure in the remote border areas was essential and that the country had a responsibility to alleviate the difficulties faced by people living there.
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