Of cracked riverbeds and water scarcity
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, March 21 2014 : Large cracks have been formed at the riverbed of Imphal River following obstruction to its natural flow, thereby affecting functioning of major supply water schemes in the State as well.

The State had witnessed thundershowers and hailstorm during the past few days, but the precipitation could not fill up the riverbeds of Imphal and Iril Rivers, which are the sources of water for major water supply schemes in the State.

The unnatural blockage to the natural flow of these two rivers has greatly affected normal functioning of major water supply schemes.

The people are now facing water scarcity in the State.

Even, the VIP Colonies do not get regular water from the water supply schemes owing to such situation.

Most parts of Imphal area including Thongju, Khongman, Bashikhong and Okram Chuthek are now in acute shortage of water.

Cracked riverbeds and water scarcity - Imphal River

According to sources, the embankment built for the purpose of constructing Thumbuthong Bridge has greatly disturbed the natural flow of Imphal River.

Another embankment built near Singjamei Bridge, to reinstate the Chinga Water Supply Scheme, has also cut off the flow of Imphal River towards the south.

Some people have already demolished the embankment near Singjamei Bridge, but the blockage at Thumbuthong could not let Imphal River flow freely in the southern direction.

Porompat Water Supply Scheme has also been affected by the drying up of Iril River.

Tankers and other private carriers have not been supplied water at Porompat Water Supply Scheme since the last three days.

Moreover, the public water supply has been cut down to just about one hour from the normal three hours daily.

The Scheme has been irregular in supplying water to the public due to such condition.

A high ranking official told Hueiyen Lanpao that most water supply schemes normally pump in water from the river for about 17 hours daily, but presently, the schemes hardly manage to pump in water for about six hours.

The unusual drying up of Iril River is due to the embankment built for the construction of Dolaithabi Dam, the official said.

Another official source said that the Singda Dam has enough water for about a month's usage.

The public should not have any apprehension of Singda Dam getting dried up in just few days, the source added.

The artificial drying up of Imphal and Iril River has caused acute scarcity of water in the State, especially in valley region.

The public are now facing water woes after the private carriers stopped supplying water.

The rate of water has also gone up drastically from Rs.300 per 1500 litres to Rs.550 per 1500 litres.

Moreover, the water carriers could not supply water to the public even at such high rates.