NHPC, WRD blamed for flood, damages
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 03 2025: Loktak Project Affected Area Fanners and Land Owners' Association questioned the belated opening of the sluice gates of Ithai barrage, while holding both the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) and the Water Resources Department accountable for the present flood situation and the resultant damages.

Addressing media persons at Manipur Press Club Tuesday, Association's general secretary Angom Tiken Singh said the inordinate delay in releasing the flood waters through the Ithai barrage is one of the factors for the widespread floods in the state.

He said that levels of major rivers in the state rose sharply due to incessant rainfall since May 26 with water level at Ithai barrage reaching 769.82 metres above mean sea level on May 29 against the normal level of 769.25 metres.

Accordingly, local people, concerned for their safety, approached officials manning the Ithai barrage, requesting to release water in time to prevent flooding but their requests were declined, he recounted, adding that even officials of the Water Resources Department refused to release water despite water level rising alarmingly as on May 29 evening.

After the matter grabbed the attention of the media amid the continuing downpour, officials concerned issued order for opening sluice gates of the Ithai barrage May 29 midnight.

However, the sluice gates remained shut the same night due to power outage and technical issue with the generator, he said.

At 5 am on May 30, sirens were sounded and gate No 2 and 3 of the barrage were opened but gates No 1 and 5 remain closed, Tiken Singh said, strongly alleging that the untimely opening of Ithai barrage gates led to widespread flooding in the state.

Holding NHPC and the Water Resources Department responsible for the flood crisis, Tiken Singh said that more than 50,000 people affected by the present flood and the damages - including houses, farms and paddy fields must be compensated by the NHPC and the Water Resources Department.

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