Kangla Online: Imphal: Thursday, December 14, 2017.
The
construction of three minor irrigation (MI) dams have been found to be
completed at paper only for which 44.48 lakhs had been withdrawn as expenditure
for construction in Khoupum area, Noney district.
This was
found during a field inspection held by Nungba Kendra Citizen Forum with a team
of media persons yesterday. The team visited five MI dams in the area and fond
that thee three of them have not been constructed at all.
The first is
MI dam at Luwanglong Khullen Village under Langthaophai meant to be built under
the agency, Achungpao Raimei, for which total tender amount is Rs. 26.14 lakhs
and the withdrawn amount is Rs. 8.45 lakhs.
Second is MI
dam at Duigumpang river under Khoupum Gaidingjang meant to be built under the
agency, K. Brajeshwor Sharma for which the total tender amount is Rs 26.14
lakhs and withdrawn amount is Rs. 19.02 lakhs, and lastly, MI dam at Lamreithok
river under Riangpang.
Not a single
trace of construction was found at these three dams though the agencies had
withdrawn a total amount of 44.48 lacs.
The dams
which have been found actually constructed and functioning since last two
years, are MI dam at Longkhuailong Village on Meingchollok river built under
the agency Achungpao Raimei, for which total tender amount is Rs. 26.14 lakhs
and withdrawn amount is Rs. 10.60 lakhs and MI dam at Lumbanglong village on
Khunupu river built under the agency, Achungpao Raimei, total tender amount is
Rs. 21.78 lakhs and the withdrawn amount is Rs. 11.51 lakhs.
Speaking to
media person on the work site, chairman, Nungba Kendra Citizen Forum (NKDF),
Aphuna Gangmei said the forum had urged for a joint field inspection with the department
but they refused to co-operate with the forum. He said the data was found on
the vide letter numbered CE/MID/RTI/2015-16 dated October 31, of section 6 (I)
of the RTI act 2015.
As the
department had refused to co-operate, the forum including the media team
inspected the work. He condemned the agencies for not constructing MI dams
after expenditure amount had been withdrawn from the department.
He appealed
the concerned department to take necessary steps against those who had
embezzled the funds and complete the construction urgently for the welfare of
the people who are settling in the area. If timely steps are not taken NKDF
will take necessary actions, Aphuna asserted.