November 8
Morung Express News
Dimapur: The implementation of gravity water supply project in Tuensang seems to have completely divided the local populace of the town. While some are staunchly supporting the use of Ductile Iron (DI) pipes, others are rallying for the use of Galvanized Iron (GI) pipes with the argument that such pipes are more suitable for hilly terrain. A top bureaucrat in the PHE department disclosed that the Government was willing to provide DI pipes in place of GI pipes for the implementation of the water supply scheme in Tuensang Town provided that those opposing the move take responsibility if something goes wrong later on. He revealed that the usage of DI pipes was not feasible in hilly terrain as made evident in Mokokchung where the pipes could not deliver the envisaged services. The government may also abandon the project altogether if the debacle continues, a government official said.
An engineer who was involved in the preparation of the Detailed Project Report told The Morung Express that the Centre had been appraised of the feasibility in using GI pipes. When Delhi had asked for a write-up to support the findings on the advantages of using GI pipes we had replied promptly, he said. The PHED engineer is willing to provide documentary evidence as and when required.
Further, Delhi’s sanction document towards the Rs 15.11 crore project highlights in Chapter 6 para 6.7 of the manual on water supply treatment issued by the Ministry of Urban Development states that the implementing agency (the Nagaland PHED in this case) can select whichever pipe it deems practicable.
An eyebrow raising disclosure that he made was that some vested interests local suppliers were pushing for the implementation of the use of DI pipes.
Four influential organizations of Tuensang Town, namely the CKS, the TMSF, the CCSU and the TTC have consented to the decision of the department to use DI pipes. A joint statement earlier issued by the organizations stated that they had thoroughly understood the comparative advantages and disadvantages of the use of both kinds of pipes from the PHED, the implementing agency of the project.
Adding a new dimension to the debate, the Chongpho Khel Tuensang Village land owners of Tuensang Town in a release asked all NGOs of Tuensang Town to “stand and fight for the original plan sanctioned by the Centre.” The Chongpho Khel cautioned that it would take its own course of action if any organization was found threatening or complaining against the NGOs. The land owners are in support of the newly formed All Tuensang Town Non-Governmental Organization Union (ATTNGOU). They also cautioned the “individual organization” to stop lobbying for GI pipes and to cooperate with the NGOs.
The ATTNGOU says that no decision on the said issue has been taken as was earlier stated and published in some local dailies. It claims to be the only authority through which the government can negotiate and arrive at a decision. It has informed that the Chendang Village Council has stated that unless the original plan is implemented in letter and spirit, they will not be in a position to allow “any party to draw water from their water source.”
The Tuensang District Mothers Association (TDMA) is in league with the ATTNGOU in this respect. “TDMA requests the honourable Chief Minister of Nagaland to give proper instruction to the PHE department for implementing the gravity water supply at Tuensang Town by using DI pipe as directed by the Ministry of Urban Development (CPHEEO) New Delhi,” a release said.
