Kasom Khullen villagers in dire straits
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 10 2015:
It was the heavy rain and landslides that led to the formation of three artificial lakes after Sanathong river changed its course and if the rai does not stop there is the strong possibility of the banks of the newly formed lakes giving way and flooding the villages lying nearby.
This is the frightening reality that the people of Kasom Khullen sub-division in Ukhrul district have been living under after the heavy rain of July 29 .
Speaking to reporters during a recent tour of the place organised by Information Centre for Hill Areas, Manipur (ICHAM) and villagers of K Leihaoram, villagers living about 8 kilometres from K Leihaoram said that they are now in perpetual fear that the banks of the newly formed lakes may give way anytime and flood the nearby villages.
Chairman of K Leihaoram Village Authority, Rockson Shimray, who was part of the team, said that, the artificial lakes came up after huge portions of Ngasekmi hill broke down and fell into the river blocking the free flow of the river.
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The three artificial lakes have been formed near Rambuko, Lamyenlok and Ngasekmi.
Since the river banks and earth around the lakes are loose, there is strong apprehension that if the rain continues then the banks will give way which will flood the nearby areas.
It is not only floods the villagers are apprehensive about as there is always the danger of more landslides hitting the villages, he said and added that Morphai and Henyang villages in Chandel district may be hit by landslides if the rain continues.
Recalling the recent past, he said that during the heavy rain on July 29, there was a landslide stretching over one kilometre at Ngasekmi hillock.
The heavy rain also swept away large tracts of paddy fields, houses and bridges.
He also drew the attention of the IFCD and Minor Irrigation Department to the dangers posed to the villages.
ICHAM president N Rajendro, who was part of the team drew the attention of the Government and said that nothing should be left to chance.
The Government should take up all the necessary measures to ensure that the artificial lakes do not cave in and make life more miserable for the villagers, he added.
Assistant Director of Discover Manipur, Ch Joykumar, who accompanied the team said that mass deforestation could be one reason for the loose soil formation.
The Government should take up needed measures in good time, he added.