Major rivers in spate, Minister inspects
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 22 2014 : Following heavy downpour across the State last night, all major rivers draining Imphal city are now flowing above danger level.

Taking serious note of the unfolding situation, IFC Minister Ngamthang Haokip, accompanied by engineers of the department, today went on an inspection tour of the vulnerable river banks.

Till 9 am today, Imphal river was flowing above warning level as Nambul river was flowing at the danger level.Some parts of Lamphelpat were flooded as water from Nambul river was overflowing over 100 metres near Shamushang culvert along Uripok-Kangchup road.

Many areas of Uripok Laikhurembi, Cheirap Court, Bazar area, Wahengbam Leikai and Sagolband have been inundated.

During Ngamthang Haokip's inspection tour, houses and other structures built on Imphal river bank near Minuthong bridge on the side of Khuman Lampak in contravention of the Manipur Flood Plain Joining Act were demolished.

Speaking to media persons, Ngamthang Haokip claimed that officials of IFCD have been alerted and put on duty round the clock in view of the possibility of flooding.

IFC Minister Ngamthang Haokip inspecting Imphal river

Moreover, materials needed for fighting floods have been stocked in adequate quantities in the department's store.

In case of any emergency situation, people may call the department's flood control room on 2451550 or 2450195 and they may collect necessary materials from the department.

Any flood related information may be passed to the flood control room at any time, said Ngamthang while appealing to all the people to cooperate with the department.

Raj Bhavan recorded rainfall rate of 48 mm last night.

Lamphel recorded 57 mm, Kangpokpi 38 mm, Saikul 35 mm and Litan 24 mm.

Water levels of some major rivers of the State as seen this afternoon showed that Imphal river was flowing near warning level, Iril river too near warning level, Nambol river at warning level, Nambul river at the flood level and Thoubal river below warning level.

Pattas allotted to private parties on major river banks before the Manipur Flood Plain Joining Act 1978 are being examined whether they are genuine or not and also whether the land owners paid premiums or not, Ngamthang said.

Pattas allotted after the same Act had come into force are also being investigated.

Pattas allotted after the Act had come into effect would not have any legal binding, Ngamthang stated.

There would be element of nepotism or leniency in the department's action against encroachers who encroached into river banks.

The department would act strictly in accordance to the Manipur Flood Plain Joining Act 1978 in the interest of the people.

Construction of latrines and houses at Telipati along Imphal river bed have been severely polluting water apart from obstructing the river current.

Ngamthang further appealed to all concerned to remove all the houses and other structures built on the beds of any of the 11 major rivers of the State in contravention of the Manipur Flood Plain Joining Act.

In case these structures are not removed voluntarily, the department would demolish them using heavy machinery even though the same driver is put on hold at the moment due to heavy rainfall, Ngamthang warned.