IMPHAL, March 21 � The Dolaithabi Multi-purpose Project in Manipur, which was earlier scheduled to be completed by March this year, is not likely to meet the deadline due to various reasons, according to officials. In view of the development, a team led by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh today visited the project site.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Irrigation and Flood Control Minister Ngamthang Haokip, Speaker Th Lokeshwar and other officials of the Irrigation and Flood Control Department. Singh took stock of the status of the dam at the work site and directed the company and individuals concerned to complete the construction of the Dolaithabi Barrage within the targeted time-frame.
The State officials claimed that frequent strikes and blockades, besides unavailability of workers, have been holding up the project. The dam, the construction of which started in 1992 with funding by the Planning Commission, will have six separate gates measuring 10.5 metres in height and 10 metres in breadth. The dam is expected to provide water to 7,500 hectares of agricultural land. No power generation has been envisaged under the project.
The water of the dam is reserved upstream under a temporary arrangement. The water will be controlled during floods and it will also be provided to the Water Supply Department. Representatives of the Kolkata-based construction company were also present in today�s inspection. A team led by the Chief Minister had also visited the dam site on August 16 last year.
