Government readies to lift water from Loktak

OSR/DIPR
IMPHAL, Mar 17: The Loktak Lift Irrigation would be pressed into service and water from Loktak Lake would be drawn up to Malom from March 20 and this would go a long way in supplying water to the people of Imphal and greater Imphal areas who are currently facing acute water scarcity.
This was stated by Chief Minister N Biren during a press conference held this evening at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat.
The Chief Minister said that the Government has initiated a number of steps to resolve the current crisis of water scarcity.
A special pipeline has been laid from Chingkheiching water supply reservoir to Khuman Lampak Sports Complex’s PHED reservoir and pumping water through the pipeline has already started, Biren said.
He said that the work of installing water filling points/stations is nearing completion at Khuman Lampak. Water tankers as well as the general public can collect water from these filling points.
A Ministerial team including Water Resources Minister Awangbow Newmai, Works Minister Govindas Konthoujam and PHED Minister L Susindro has inspected the Loktak Lift Irrigation (LLI) with the primary purpose of pressing it into service, Biren said.
He informed that the LLI scheme would be pressed into service from March 20  and it would pump water up to Malom.
On being questioned on his recent meeting with Union Home Minister Amit  Shah regarding the State Cabinet’s decision to withdraw SoO agreement with KNA and ZRA, the Chief Minister said that a tripartite talk has been going among the Central Government, the State Government and several UG groups.
Biren said that he gave a detailed account to the Union Home Minister regarding the Cabinet decision to withdraw from SoO/tripartite talk with respect to two  militant groups as they violated SoO ground rules and indulged in various unlawful activities.
To another query raised by media persons on the demand of student organisations and CSOs for updation and implementation of NRC in the State, Biren remarked that the people’s movement for updating and implementing NRC is a positive step considering the fact that a large number of outsiders have been migrating to the State from different directions illegally.
Protecting the indigenous people is a must and the Central Government leaders are well aware of the uniqueness of Manipur, he said.
The Government of Manipur enforced the Inner Line Permit System in Manipur so that the limited indigenous population can protect themselves, he continued.
Biren further informed that he held a meeting with the Chief Secretary, DGP, Deputy Commissioners and SPs this afternoon.
The meeting deliberated on identification of the places where immigrants from Myanmar and other places have settled and also on the possible steps that may be taken up to check illegal immigration.  
The Chief Minister also made a strong appeal to all those involved in poppy plantation and illegal drug business to shun all such activities considering the destructive effects of these acts on the society.
He further warned of stronger actions against anyone found involved in these illegal actions.
Further stating that the Government takes these illegal actions as a great challenge for the Government, he warned everyone against encouraging such illegal activities even on social media.
Biren stressed that the Government will not make any compromise at any cost in the War On Drugs campaign.
Stating that two individuals were arrested along with 20.27 Kgs of poppy seeds and four Kenbo bikes (Myanmar made) without registration numbers and two single barrel guns from Old Boljang village under Lhungtin sub-division today, the Chief Minister questioned the motive and intention of certain individuals continuing with such illegal acts despite the appeals from the Government and the support from the general public to the War on Drugs.
The two arrested men have been  identified as Ngamginsei Singson (20) s/o Mangseih Singson of Theljang village and Lelen Khongsai (32) s/o (L) Pabul Khongsai of Tuibong Bazar. Both of them are presently staying at Old Boljang village.
Citing the seizure of the Myanmar made bikes, the Chief Minister further raised doubt on whether Myanmar Nationals were involved in these illegal activities.
On receiving reliable information about poppy plantation around Old Boljang Village, a joint team of police, NAB, MR/IRB and Forest officials went to the village on March 16 and carried out destruction of poppy cultivation in about 10 acres in the hill ranges adjacent to the village.
The team, however, found no one in the village on the day, he added.
Continuing that a case has been registered at Saikul police station, the Chief Minister further urged the public to continue supporting the War on Drugs campaign.