Local volunteers clear river bed
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 18 2012:
Even if the concerned Government departments apparently fail to take up any precautionary measure against the annual catastrophic flood, residents of Haraorou and its surrounding localities have led the way in cleaning up the 2 kilometre stretch of Kongba river bed as a measure to prevent inundation of flood water during monsoon.
Member of Khundrakpam GP, S Indrakumar and Pradhan of Haraorou Tangkham GP, Thangjam Angoubi Devi have played a vital role in inciting the local residents to take up the initiative in digging the river from Haraorou Thong to Haraorou Dam.
Locals' financial contribution have enabled the residents to hire service of two JCBs apart from contributing their labour in cleaning up the river bank.
Speaking to media persons today, member of Khundrakpam GP, S Indrakumar said the Kongba river has wreaked havoc during every monsoon when the water overflows.
The river water inundated several cultivated fields and caused trouble to the farmers' community of the area, Indrakumar said.
He rued that the Government authority has done nothing to prevent such annual occurrence.
Indrakumar said the initiatives of the locals may not be counted much, but he is optimistic that the department concerned would resume from where it is left.
He said local volunteers had started cleaning the river bed since April 16.Indrakumar also drawn the attention of the concerned department to initiate measures to prevent flood menace.
Secretary of Youth Modern Club, N Dijen appealed all concerned not to take undue advantage of the altruistic work rendered by the local residents.
The club secretary also warned of taking stringent action against any self interested individuals who anticipated to gain undue advantage from it.