No more individual irrigation projects

Nagaland to follow directive from Irrigation Ministry  

Dimapur, April 7 (DIPR): Parliamentary Secretary, Irrigation & Flood Control, Jacob Zhimomi today announced that there will be no more individual irrigation projects, as per the directive from Irrigation Ministry Delhi.  

“I will not take up such projects,” Jacob said after unveiling the inaugural plaque of Chathe-1 Minor Irrigation Project at Ruzaphema, 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.  

While observing that excavation of river beds results in soil erosion problems, Jacob lamented that due to rampant excavations of river beds, department of I&FC faces dilemma on 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 farmer’s 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.  

On the occasion MoU was signed between the Water Users Association and Department of I&FC, and the memorandum was handed over to the President of Water Users Association by the chief guest.  

Chief Engineer, I&FCD, Er. S. Kughaho Sema, who also chaired the programme urged upon the Water Users Association to oversee the upkeep of the infrastructure so that the objective of economic upliftment of the farmers is achieved. “The well being and longevity of the project depends on the water users,” he said.  

President, Water Users Association said that Chathe 1 M1 Project was a long felt need of the village and expressed gratitude to the department for making it a reality with timely completion.  

E.E. Dimapur, Er. Thepfusalio said that Chathe-1 M1 Project has been successfully completed during 2016-17 and will provide irrigation for a Cultural Command Area of 100 ha.  

Pastor Razaphema Baptist Church invoked God's blessings in the programme while, Er. Ghukhui Zhimomi proposed the vote of thanks.