IMPHAL, June 27 - Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh today said that the building bye-laws have been amended, paving the way for installation of rainwater harvesting systems in newly-constructed buildings.
Addressing a meeting attended by elected members of the Panchayati Raj Institutions at the Chief Minister�s Secretariat here, Biren Singh called for a collective effort at the grassroot level to conserve rainwater and groundwater in the State. He also stated that the panchayat that excels in harvesting of rainwater, would receive a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh. The officials concerned, pradhans and Zilla Parishad members will be honoured at a State-level function, the Chief Minister said.
Stating that rainwater harvesting is the brainchild of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Biren Singh said that ways should be found to harvest rainwater for farming purposes during the lean season.
Informing that the present Government has initiated rainwater harvesting schemes in hill areas like Tamei, Chandel, Senapati, Ukhrul, Churachandpur, etc., he said such schemes have been constructed at an approximate cost of Rs 2 crore each by the Minor Irrigation Department.
Urging the elected leaders to restrict the construction of buildings on paddy fields in the State, he stated that a State-level committee would be formed to check illegal sale and purchase of land in the State.
He also appealed to the elected representatives of the Panchayati Raj Institutions to keep an eye on the illegal sale and purchase of landed property in their respective areas.
Chief Secretary Dr J Suresh Babu, Additional Chief Secretary Letkhogin Haokip, chairman of the Bishnupur Zilla Parishad Dr Romabai Leirenjam, deputy commissioners of the valley districts, chairmen and Zilla Parishad members of various panchayats attended the day�s function.
