Barak River completely inundates 3-acre paddy field
Source: The Sangai Express

Senapati, September 12 2024: In a distressing turn of events, a stretch of fertile agricultural land along with the standing crops at Sangkunglung village under Willong subdivision has been completely inundated by the Barak River.

Until August 28, 2024, the cultivated paddy field measuring about 3 acres was only partially deluged.

Notably, information about this situation which could potentially lead to a food crisis in the future has been reported to the concern authority and the Deputy Commissioner and a team of delegates have been deputed to take stock of the situation.

The village authority along with village representative also met the Deputy Commissioner.

However, with no corrective steps or intervention, the inundation of the paddyfield has only been aggravated.

On another note, it has been pointed out that water logging in and around the Barak River has been caused by the fresh cutting of the NH-129/A (Maram-Peren) road at a higher range which caused a mud slide accompanied by rock and logs to glide down and whittling away the huge pavement causing havoc.

In turn, this led to deposition and flow of debris towards the tributaries, which ended up piling at the Barak River, forming a large dam like structure and causing water logging.

The situation has resulted in submersion of the paddy field.

The gliding mud and rock debris also reportedly destroyed a lengthy portion of the approach road and completely washed off a canal meant for irrigation of the field.

The CRS company which is under taking the construction work of the NH-129/A (Maram-Peren) Road, is supposed to have dumping site within every 5 kms.

Yet, the mud and the rocks were freely and conveniently emptied below the road without accounting for the disaster and hassles faced by people residing below the road and destroying farmland, forest, roads, water supplies, fisher ponds, agricultural land and other economical activities.

'The destruction is not a short term but long term damage.

The hewed out pavement has carried away the canal', said Sangkunglung village secretary.

'Even the paddy planted this season within the submerged area will not be able to bear seeds', he added.

It is also reported that the affected area is the only region, where cultivation of paddy was carried out.

The village authority has urged the Government for relief and help.

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