Dimapur, April 7 (EMN) : Parliamentary Secretary for Irrigation & Flood Control, Jacob Zhimomi has spelled out clear that there will be no more individual irrigation projects, in accordance with directives from the Irrigation Ministry.
“I will not take up such projects”, Zhimomi said after unveiling the inaugural plaque of the Chathe-1 minor irrigation project at Ruzaphema in Dimapur on April 7. He informed the village council members, farmers, members of Water Users Association that he would only take up projects which covers more than ten villages benefitting the masses.
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Jacob Zhimomi unveiling the plaque for Chathe-1 M 1 project at Ruzaphema in Dimapur on April 7.[/caption]
While observing that excavation of river beds results in soil erosion problems, Jacob lamented that due to rampant excavations of river beds, the department of Irrigation & Flood Control faces dilemma about how to contain soil erosion, rather than built irrigation projects.
Towards this, he advised the village council members not to lease out the rivers under their jurisdiction. “Do not allow businessman to excavate the boulders for petty money, for short period it may relieve you but long term period it will affect you”, he maintained. Informing that the farmers participation bill has been passed in the Assembly, Jacob called upon the farmers to work physically to achieve food sufficiency.
“To increase productivity, department is supporting you, so now you also have to work”, he said. Further he told the farmers that if the present project is utilized judiciously, more other projects would be explored in future too.
During the occasion, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Water Users Association and the department of Irrigation & Flood Control. The memorandum was handed over to the president of Water Users Association by the chief guest.
Chief Engineer for Irrigation & Flood Control, S Kughaho Sema, who presided over the programme, urged the Water Users Association to oversee the upkeep of the infrastructure so that the objective of economic uplift of farmers is achieved.
“The well being and longevity of the project depends on the water users,” he said.
