ARA MP INSPECTS THE THOKAR DAM IN THE RIVER GANGA

ARA (RNI) Ara MP Sudama Prasad conducted a comprehensive inspection of the Thokar Dam being constructed in the river Ganga to protect against floods and coastal villages at many important places including Jawainiya in Shahpur, Manirai Tola of Badahara block, Manjhauli and Achraj Rai Tola and gave necessary instructions to the officials keeping in mind the progress of construction, quality and demands of the local people.

The first stop of the inspection was Jawainiya village at Shahpur where hundreds of people welcomed the MP. About 600 meters long Thokar Dam is under construction. The villagers appealed to the MP that to keep the village completely safe, the length of the dam should be increased by at least 100-100 meters on both ends. The MP directed the officials to immediately start the process of increasing the length of the dam giving priority to public interest. He also said that the northern end of the dam falls withing the border of UP so cooperation will be taken from the UP government by correspondence. The MP reached Manjaria Tola where the construction work of about 1 kilometer long Thokar Dam is going on at a very slow pace. During the inspection, it was found that the thickness of the pillars being used in the construction is not as per the standard. He gave strict instructions to the Executive Engineer and the contractor to remove all the old pillars and install new pillars and complete the construction work on a war footing.

Contractors and officials informed that a few days ago, criminals attacked the construction site and looted Rs. 86 thousand and demanded a ransom of Rs. 30 lakh. Also many labourers were beaten up which affected the pace of work.

Taking strong notes, the MP asked the concerned administrative officials to consider the demand for development of permanent armed force so that such incidents do not happen in future and work can continue uninterrupted.

The MP also inspected the ongoing construction of Thokar Dam in Manjhauli where the 154meter and 235 meter long dam is almost complete. However, the villagers demanded that the dam be extended by about 50 meters on the eastern end so that the entire village can be safe.

The Executive Engineer informed that a letter has been sent to the Chief Engineer, Water Resources Department and a decision will be takne on it soon. The MP assured that he would talk to the higher officials at his level.

The MP said that afrer becoming an MP, the first issue he raised in the House was about floods and the devastation casued by it. He expressed satisfaction that today Thokar Dam is being constructed in these areas which will provide relief to the people. He said that he had received information that for the first time, Thokar Dam is being built at Jawainiya which is a historic moment. He wanted the construction work to be timely and of good quality. He said to the villagers that he himself was monitoring the construction work and appealed to the people to keep an eye on it and inform him about any kind of irregularity or complaint by calling directly.