From our Special Correspondent

IMPHAL, July 21: Several ministers, accompanied by high officials of the departments concerned have started visiting paddy fields in the four valley districts of the State to submit a report to the Chief Minister on the immediate relief measures for farmers, who cannot cultivate in the parched fields. It may be recalled that a cabinet sub-committee, headed by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi was constituted on Friday to monitor the alarming drought like situation in Manipur.

Ministers Govindas Konthoujam, Ngamthang Haokip, MLAs T Mangibabu, M Prithiviraj and others toured several places in Bishnupur district today. They found that the parched paddy fields have no irrigation facility, with the result that the farmers cannot undertake cultivation. The team visited the paddy fields near the Thangjing mountain. The officials and elected members were of the view that one earthen dam could be constructed across the river so that immediate relief could be given to the farmers. Indications are that the construction of the dam would be started shortly.

Ministers Abdul Nasir, Francis Ngajokpa, Moirangthem Okendra and high officials visited Thoubal district to see for themselves the pathetic condition prevailing there.

Ministers Irengbam Hemochandra, Lokeswor, Akoijam Mirabai and high officials had visited Imphal East and Imphal West districts. Once the ministers and officials conclude their inspections, they will submit a report to the chairman of the cabinet sub-committee. It is for the Chief Minister to make the next move. Though the sky is overcast, there have not been much rains in Manipur in the past few months.