IT News
Imphal, July 5:
Residents from Nagaram, Laipham Khunou, Dewlaland, Tangkhul Avenue, Namdulung, and Fairyland gathered today for a sit-in protest at Dingku Road in Imphal, highlighting recurring flooding issues exacerbated by encroachments and inadequate drainage infrastructure.
The protest, led by Nagaram Village Chairman Joyson Railhan, aims to draw attention to severe flooding affecting approximately 300 houses in Nagaram Village, 200 in Tangkhul Avenue, and around 50 in Fairyland. Residents explain that the flooding originates from breaches in the Imphal River at Kairang and Lairikyengbam Leikai, resulting in significant water inflows into these areas.
Despite promises made during campaigns, including a commitment in 2017 by the Chief Minister to rectify the situation, local leaders state that little progress has been achieved. They highlight that a retaining wall intended to manage floodwaters was constructed, but it reduced the water body’s capacity from 20 feet to just 7 feet. The CM’s campaign promise included rectifying this situation.
Residents assert that multiple memorandums have been submitted, and officials including Sub-Divisional Officers (SDO), Sub-Divisional Commissioners (SDC), and engineers have been consulted. However, with no tangible solutions forthcoming, the community has escalated their protest, notifying even the Chief Engineer of Water Resources.
The residents demand evidence of the removal of illegal structures and comprehensive cleaning of the water body to mitigate the flooding risks.
