(From left) Parliamentary secretary for Irrigation & Flood Control, Y Patton, EE (I&FC) Wokha, J Lanu Longchar, superintendent engineer (I&FC) Njilo Kemp and Secretary (I&FC) B Thawang Konyak, inspecting a MI project in Bhandari, Wokha district, on Saturday. (Morung Photo)
Wokha | May 14 : Parliamentary secretary for Irrigation & Flood Control (I&FC) and Geology & Mining, Y Patton, along with officials from I&FC department, undertook a two-day inspection of minor irrigation (MI) projects in Bhandari and Baghty areas, in Wokha district, on Friday and Saturday. The parliamentary secretary and I&FC officials including Secretary for I&FC, B Thawang, superintendent engineer Njilo Kemp, EE Wokha, J Lanu Longchar, inspected more than a dozen MI projects, including a Rs. 2 crore plus project at Baghty - the biggest MI project in Wokha district.
While inspecting the projects, Patton impressed upon the beneficiaries to be sincere in their works and to follow the specifications as laid down by the department. He also reminded that the MI schemes under the centrally sponsored Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) were not “subsidies.”
Iterating that the projects were solely for the benefit of the farmers, he also cautioned that the department would not release payment if the projects were not satisfactory or as per guidelines of the department and added that he would personally inspect the MI projects. The parliamentary secretary also instructed I & FC officials to regularly monitor the MI projects and give necessary instructions from time to time.
During inspection of three MI projects in Bhandari and Baghty, the parliamentary secretary and I&FC officials had to walk over muddy fields and jungles (distances ranging from 1-2km) as there were no approach roads. Patton further informed that he along with I&FC officials will try to visit as many of the total 177 MI projects spread in different districts.
Patton further conveyed appreciation to chief minister Neiphiu Rio for taking keen interest and initiatives to uplift local farmers. It may be mentioned the DAN government had earlier announced its ambitious vision “Food grains for all Nagas by 2020.”
Meanwhile, Patton also congratulated NPF candidate Toshipokba for winning the by-election to 26 Aonglenden Assembly seat.
While inspecting the projects, Patton impressed upon the beneficiaries to be sincere in their works and to follow the specifications as laid down by the department. He also reminded that the MI schemes under the centrally sponsored Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) were not “subsidies.”
Iterating that the projects were solely for the benefit of the farmers, he also cautioned that the department would not release payment if the projects were not satisfactory or as per guidelines of the department and added that he would personally inspect the MI projects. The parliamentary secretary also instructed I & FC officials to regularly monitor the MI projects and give necessary instructions from time to time.
During inspection of three MI projects in Bhandari and Baghty, the parliamentary secretary and I&FC officials had to walk over muddy fields and jungles (distances ranging from 1-2km) as there were no approach roads. Patton further informed that he along with I&FC officials will try to visit as many of the total 177 MI projects spread in different districts.
Patton further conveyed appreciation to chief minister Neiphiu Rio for taking keen interest and initiatives to uplift local farmers. It may be mentioned the DAN government had earlier announced its ambitious vision “Food grains for all Nagas by 2020.”
Meanwhile, Patton also congratulated NPF candidate Toshipokba for winning the by-election to 26 Aonglenden Assembly seat.
