Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh approves the Rikhruri Multipurpose Dam during his Senapati visit, reviews development projects, and assures action on key demands raised by Mao organisations.
Senapati, July 8: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Wednesday reviewed development projects across Senapati district, interacted with members of the public and civil society organisations, and announced formal approval for the construction of the Rikhruri Multipurpose Dam, which is expected to provide drinking water to 27 villages in the Mao area.
The Chief Minister began his visit with an inspection of the government Potato Farm at Mao, where officials briefed him on the challenges facing the horticulture sector. Commissioner of Horticulture T.N. Panmei informed him that the department had received inadequate funding over the past two years, affecting the farm's production capacity compared to previous years.
Responding to the briefing, Khemchand Singh said Mao possesses favourable climatic conditions that make it suitable not only for potato cultivation but also for flowers and a range of horticultural crops. He said the state government would hold discussions with all stakeholders to address the concerns and grievances raised by the people of the area and explore measures to strengthen agricultural and horticultural development.
The Chief Minister later visited the Mini Secretariat Complex in Senapati town, where he, along with Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, legislators and district officials, met representatives of the United Naga Council.
Subsequently, Khemchand Singh attended a public reception at the ACI Auditorium in Punanamei village, where he was welcomed by representatives of the Mao Council, the Mao Students' Union and landowners associated with the Potato Farm.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister announced that the state government had formally approved the construction of the Rikhruri Multipurpose Dam. According to the government, the project is intended to improve drinking water supply for 27 surrounding villages, marking one of the major infrastructure commitments announced during the visit.
The reception programme also saw the submission of separate memorandums by the Mao Council and the Poumai Naga Union, highlighting local developmental issues.
Responding to a memorandum from the Mao Students' Union seeking the establishment of a Multipurpose Skill Training, Trade and Youth Activity Centre at Mao, Khemchand Singh said the proposal would be placed before the state Cabinet for discussion.
On another demand concerning the implementation of an agreement involving landowners of the Potato Farm, the Chief Minister assured that the government would examine the issue in consultation with the concerned departments and officials before taking an appropriate decision.
The district tour formed part of the government's ongoing review of development works and public outreach programmes in Manipur's hill districts. Besides inspecting ongoing projects, the visit provided an opportunity for local organisations to place their demands directly before the state leadership.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho; MLAs Tongbram Robindro Singh, Sheikh Noorul Hassan and J. Kumo Sha; Commissioner (Home) N. Ashok Kumar; Commissioner of Horticulture T.N. Panmei; Deputy Commissioner of Senapati Dharun Kumar S.; Director of CAF & PD Nelson Yumnam; Director of Horticulture and Soil Conservation Devabarta Sharma; Chief Engineer of Water Resources Y. Homendro Singh; and senior officials from the Public Health Engineering Department.
