Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Saturday launched Swachhata Hi seva to be taken up on the theme Garbage Free India.
N Biren Singh said, “We are passing through a difficult time, and with the support and cooperation of people including civil societies and others we are on the path to bring understanding among the communities and towards peace.”
Further stating that efforts are on to find a solution and bring peace at the earliest, the Chief Minister sought further support of the people and blessings from God.
He said that the public must have also witnessed the opening of national highways, deployment of security forces in sensitive areas, and efforts to ensure availability of essential commodities in all districts.
Various schemes have also been introduced in the State including the Nambul River Rejuvenation Project he said.
The Chief Minister said that waste water from 72 drains will be trapped and treated at Heirangoithong Waste Treatment Plant before release to the River.
He added that the State has already received the technical clearance for similar projects for Imphal River and Kongba River from the Centre and that two other projects for Moirang River and left out portion of Nambol River are in the consideration stage.
N. Biren Singh also said that four more projects for Thoubal River, Chakpi River, Moreh River, Heirok River are in the DPR stage.
Keeping Manipur clean and hygienic is the collective responsibility of the people, the Chief Minister said and further called on all including meira paibis, students, local clubs, panchayat level to join the fortnight long campaign till October 2 to keep the environment clean.
He expressed the need for unity among all sections of the society including government officials, general public, elected members in making Manipur a lively State by taking part in tree plantation drives, safeguarding water bodies, etc.
He said that the tender process for Lamphelpat Project is already complete and dredging work will commence in the first phase.
Expressing serious concern on the lack of rainfall and the ecological imbalance, the Chief Minister also spoke on the need for rain water harvesting, tree plantation, safeguarding forest cover. He further mulled the idea of making it mandatory for all households to harvest rainwater.
There is also another long-time plan project in the pipeline to create reservoirs by bringing water through pipes from the Loktak Project, he added.
N. Biren Singh also said that starting from October, the government is planning to resume the six-day working week and there will be no holidays on Saturdays.
He said that in the last six or so years, Manipur had achieved so much with the support of the people. But due to the unfortunate crisis, the State has lost some three-four months, he said, adding that to make up for this, there is a need for government employees to put in more effort.
“Despite the loss, we need not be disheartened, now the situation is improving and will be normalized very soon,” the Chief Minister further expressed his confidence.