UCM attacks MI Dept over frequent droughts

Our Correspondent
THOUBAL, Sep 1 : United Committee Manipur (UCM) president Joychandra Konthoujam has asked if the Manipur Irrigation Department is awake to the problem as the farmers in Manipur fear drought whenever there is insufficient rainfall.
He made the remark during a one day training programme on  rejuvenation of farm economy and distribution of urea crops held at Ukhongshang Mamang Leikai today.
The programme was jointly organised by UCM and the Agriculture Department.
At the event, Joychandra continued that the Minor Irrigation Department, if it exists, must take up pre-emptive measures to prevent drought in future.
He further asked if the officials of the Minor Irrigation Department have been working only for their monthly salary without any concern for the wellbeing of the farmers.
Saying that Manipur receives abundant rainfall, he asked if the Government has taken up any initiative to harvest rainwater.
Most of the droughts witnessed in Manipur are artificial, he claimed and added that there is no shortage of water for irrigation in some other States which have lesser volume of rainfall than Manipur.
The UCM president urged the Government to learn from the States which are experienced in rainwater harvesting and drought management for the wellbeing of the farmers here.
Joychandra also expressed concern over the large-scale deforestation in the hill districts of Manipur.
Accusing the Government of lacking commitment to prevent deforestation, he appealed to the gatherings to contribute in saving the environment and in making Manipur self-sufficient in terms of food production.
Shikhong Sekmai Municipal Council Councillor Lukram ongbi Hemlata Devi, UCM secretary general Ngangom Deva, Youth Affairs Secretary Maibam Sanatomba, Auditor General Laimayum Inaobi and social worker Thangjam Manglem also attended the programme among others.