Engineers clarify
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 24 2016: Following the breach of Iril River embankment at Kyamgei Muslim Makha Leikai which flooded large stretch of the area, engineers of Public Works Department (PWD) and the Irrigation and Flood Control Department (IFCD) have clarified that the unfortunate flood could not be related to the newly constructed Bailey bridge over the river at Kyamgei-Arapti and Haotabi.

After a joint inspection conducted by officials of PWD, IFCD, locals and members of Bridge Construction Committee, Assistant Engineer, Bridge Division PWD Irom Irabot stated that the claim made by locals that the flood was due to steep rise in water level of the river due to the bailey bridge is false and baseless.

Clarifying that the bridge could not be the reason for the flood, he said that the bridge is 190 feet long and is still under construction and it could not possibly obstruct the water flow.

He added that the comment of affected locals is reasonable with regard to the approach road to the bridge is well understood by the department.

Further he stated that there were no signs of technical glitches in the bridge construction from the department which could relate to the flood.

Executive Engineer, IFCD Kshetrimayum Kameshor said that the bridge could not be the reason for water logging and breach of the embankment of Iril River on that unfortunate day.

Moreover the area is a low lying area and locals could have done their part to prevent breach of the embankment.

"There could be other reasons for sudden water logging relating to the flood," he said.

After the breach, the department provided 5000 empty cement bags, 60 chatai (bamboo mat) and 60 bamboos to help stop the flood water, he added.

President of Secular Muslim Development Committee Sahid Edris Ali who accompanied the visiting team alleged that the flood could have been averted if locals of the area were ready to extend support in preventive measures when the water level started rising.

Even the local MLA of Keirao AC had provided all necessary machineries and equipments but there was no support from locals.

He added that the claims made by locals of the affected area that the flood was due to the Bailey bridge constructed over Iril River at Kyamgei-Arapti and Haotabi is completely false.

"It is efforts of some locals to defame the local MLA and departments concerned," he alleged.

Further he expressed fear that the materials provided by the IFCD to counter the flood were not used by locals of Kyamgei Muslim Makha Leikai.

A large number of locals, contractors and convener of Bridge Construction Committee S Biramani accompanied the team.

Comment