Locals seek Centre's help for completion of Manipur's Khuga Dam project

Locals have been seeking the help of the central government for the completion of the Khuga Dam project in Manipur, which was started in 1983 and was dedicated to the nation in November 2010.

However, a Joint Action Committee on the project has claimed that power generation has not started yet and water supply and irrigation facilities for the district are yet to be started.

They are now seeking the help of the union government for the immediate completion of the dam.

Once it starts functioning properly, the dam will be of much benefit to the people of Manipur by providing regular power supply, irrigation and drinking water facilities as well as development of the tourism industry.

If they complete the Khuga Dam project properly then it will benefit not only for agriculture purpose but it will benefit all the people of Churachandpur. So, we want the state government to give more emphasis and complete the dam project immediately," said Thanga, Joint Secretary of JAC on Khuga Dam Project.

JAC members were recently in New Delhi, where they met several leaders and submitted petitions for an expert committee to look into the execution of the project.

hey also requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to send a team for conducting an on-the-spot verification.

"We have a problem in repairing the canal. Here the canal is already broken, and even on the other side, the canal is about to break down. So, we have just blocked it with mud, but if it breaks down, then, this year, our entire paddy field will be damaged. So, we have already informed the department and have called Kishore Singh to look into this matter immediately," said Mani Singh, a farmer.

In response to the complaints, the water resources ministry has asked the concerned departments to report on the status of the project.

"Once this dam is constructed, irrigation problems will be solved, and throughout the year, we can cultivate. And, if the power generation starts, then there will be continuous power supply. If there is power, there will be development, and we can have small industry in Churachandpur Town also," said Lalpu Hangshing, Chairman of the Khuga Dam Project JAC.