Opposition criticises Mizo govt for water crisis

Aizawl, Mar 27: Opposition Zoram Nationalist Party (ZNP) in Mizoram Assembly today criticised the recently launched Greater Aizawl Water Supply Scheme (GAWSS) phase II.

ZNP legislator Andrew Lalherliana said GAWSS Phase II had been envisioned to supply 30 million litres water per day (MLD) could now supply only 12.5 MLD after completion, which made the water crisis situation worse here.

Mr Lalherliana alleged that a huge amount of money had been siphoned during the project.

He said the original estimate for the 30 MLD project was Rs 71.80 crore 1997, the year after the Centre okayed an integrated project for Aizawl.

The MNF government had taken over the project from the erstwhile Congress government and made a revised estimate of the project cost to Rs 113.47 crore, which was refused by DoNER ministry.

'' The state government was told to utilise the original estimate even if it means a lesser supply of water. It was agreed that the state will provide Rs 19 crore and along with the already sanctioned Rs 71.80 crore the project can supply 24 MLD,'' he added.

UNI