Nambul river project work begins

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, May 23: Works for the Rejuvenation and Conservation of Nambul River in Manipur project, began at Thong Nambonbi today.
Directorate of Environment Director Dr Yanglem Nabachandra Singh informed that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, India, approved a sum of Rs 97 crore to the Directorate of Environment, Manipur, for rejuvenation and conservation of Nambul river  which will take place for a period of three years.
He continued that for the first phase of the project, conservation works of Nambul river will be carried out from Iroishemba to Heirangoithong.
The officer explained that out of a total 351 rivers selected all over the country by the National Green Tribunal, Nambul falls in Priority 2 category of the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) level.
The National Green Tribunal fixes the category of a particular river as per the guidelines of the Central Pollution Control Board, he added.
On the other hand, there have been many directives from the Court as well to take care of the river, he said adding that the project was inaugurated informally before the election Model Code of Conduct was enforced.
However, today is the first time, the project has been initiated in the field, he added.
The Director also explained that even if the Directorate of Environment is the Nodal Department, the line depts consist of Pollution Control Board, Water Resources Department, Public Health Engineering Department, MAHUD and IMC as well.
The Director further explained that IMC has a major role in the project as the river falls under its jurisdiction.
He continued that even if the Ministry approves a fund of Rs 97 crore for the project, in actuality the Ministry has released just Rs 3 crore to the State Government initially and as such, the Project Implementation Committee decided to start only the riverbed cleaning work for now.
Stressing on the importance of the project, the Director said that a proper execution plan for the whole project which will last 3 years, will be completed within 10-15 days and the Project  Implementation Committee has already held three-four meetings in this regard.
Project Coordinator and Dy Director, T Brajakumar was also present today.