Encroachment on roadside ditches affecting paddy fields
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, May 16 2022:
Encroachment on the roadside ditches by way of constructing houses or other structures has become a threat to the paddy fields located along the Imphal-Ukhrul road stretch from Khabeisoi to Sajiwa Jail in Imphal East district.
Roadside ditches as the natural waterways play major roles not only in draining excess water during rainy season but also in providing irrigation facility.
The ditches in the said area used to have a width of at least 10 feet but many people have encroached on the ditches and some even block the flow of water through earth filling but without culvert construction.
In the past, excess water from the paddy fields located on the eastern side of the road used to flow into Kongba River after passing through the ditches on the western side of the road.
Several houses and commercial structures are being built on the western side of the road by blocking the ditch which resulted in stopping the excess water from flowing away.
As a result, around 300 hectares of paddy field on the eastern side of the road are experiencing inundation thereby posing risk of flooding during agriculture season.
Local clubs had repeatedly asked the owners of the new houses and commercial structures to clear the ditches or install culverts.
Coordinating Body Khurai had also submitted numerous complaint letters to the authority concerned, pleading for taking up appropriate actions and joint meetings with the authority had also been organised in the past.
However, the owners are doing nothing to address the issue.
The state government implemented Manipur Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetlands Act 2014 to protect agricultural land and actions are taken up against illegal constructions in paddy land.
However, the government seems to be turning a blind eye in the area even when those individuals are blocking the drainage system.
Raising concern over the situation, local residents, especially the farmers have drawn attention of the government to take up immediate action to address the issue.
Apart from the blocking the drainage system, waste materials are being dumped into the drain after dusk.
Coordinating Body Khurai had made appealed to the general public through media to refrain from such irresponsible activities but to no avail.
Taking serious note, local residents appealed to the authority to prevent such irresponsible acts in the area.