Rising waters, changing climate : Understanding Manipur's recurring floods

Dr Th Manimala Devi *

Extensive flooding at JNIMS Hospital in Imphal East on 01st June 2025 :: Pix - Khaba Kh

Introduction

Manipur, cradled in the Eastern Himalayan foothills, is celebrated for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture and rich ecological heritage. Yet in recent years, the State has been grappling with the recurring menace of devastating floods, leaving behind trails of destruction that disrupt lives, wipe out livelihoods and wreak havoc on fragile ecosystems.

The recent floods occurred in May-June 2025 particularly harrowing, impacting over 20,000 people, destroying more than 3,000 homes and triggering numerous landslides across the State. The affected number of individuals and their house-holds are just the tentative size, which was known to the author at the time of drafting this article and this may vary perhaps with an increase in number.

These disasters are not just acts of nature; they are stark reminders of environmental neglect, haphazard urban development and the growing unpredictability of our climatic patterns. As an environmentalist and researcher, I feel compelled to reflect on the root causes of these challenges and explore pathways to a sustainable future.

Climate Change and Erratic Rainfall Patterns

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (RTC) recently indicated a sharp rise in extreme weather events in the North Eastern region of India. Manipur has been experiencing unpredictable monsoon patterns in recent years, marked by extended dry periods followed by sudden and heavy downpours.

This erratic weather often leads to flash floods, especially in the low lying Imphal valley, where rainwater tends to accumulate due to poor drainage and the area's natural topography. This excess water flows rapidly down the bare hillsides, causing severe erosion and depositing silt in the rivers. As a result, the region's already delicate drainage systems and overwhelmed, exacerbating the flooding problem.

Hillside Degradation and Deforestation

A significant factor behind the flooding issues in Manipur is unchecked deforestation and shifting cultivation, commonly known as Thum. The clearing of forests on hillsides for firewood, timber, and farming has left the soil vulnerable to erosion and landslides. In the past, tree roots played a crucial role in holding the soil together and soaking up rainfall.

However, with the hills now stripped bare, water flows unchecked into the valleys and rivers, often carrying large amounts of sediment. This has led to silted riverbeds and reduced their ability to carry water. Rivers like the Iril, Nambul and Imphal river, which once managed rainfall effectively, now frequently overflow during heavy rains, contributing to repeat flooding.

Urbanization and Drainage Failure

Imphal, the capital of Manipur, is grappling with the challenges of rapid and unplanned urbanization. Housing colonies and commercial complexes are being built on wetlands, low-lying areas, and traditional drainage paths, disrupting the city's natural water management systems.

Encroachments on flood-plains and wetlands, particularly in areas like Lamphelpat and Porompat, have severely affected water retention and flow. To make matters worse, the city's drainage systems are poorly maintained.

Blockages from accumulated solid waste and outdated designs often used to leave water stagnant for days in places like Thangmeiband, Sagolband and Khurai. The recent floods left most urban areas submerged in knee-deep water, starkly exposing the city's infrastructure shortcomings.

Disappearing Wetlands and Loktak Lake's Plight

Wetlands are vital for flood control, acting as natural sponges that absorb excess water and gradually release it, reducing the risk of sudden flooding. Unfortunately, Manipur has experienced a significant decline in its wetlands over the last two decades.

Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in North Eastern India, has been severely impacted by encroachment, eutrophication and fragmentation, driven by the construction of the Ithai Barrage and the spread of urban areas. These changes have drastically reduced the lake's capacity to store and regulate water, heightening flood risks in downstream regions.

The situation is further aggravated by the accumulation of floating phumdis (vegetation mats) and debris, which obstruct water flow and lead to stagnant water. This obstruction not only worsens flooding but also disrupts the lake's ecosystem, impacting the livelihoods of communities dependent on its resources.

If this degradation continues unchecked, the ecological and social costs could become irreparable, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable management and conservation efforts.

Socio-Economic Impacts and Vulnerable Communities

Floods in Manipur inflict severe hardships on the region's most vulnerable populations, particularly poor households, rural farmers, and indigenous hill communities. For thousands of farmers, paddy fields serve as their primary source of livelihood, but these fertile lands are often submerged during floods, devastating standing crops and pushing families deeper into poverty.

Around Loktak Lake, fishermen face a grim reality as declining water quality diminishes their catches, threatening a way of life that has sustained generations. Women and children suffer disproportionately in the aftermath, enduring displacement, loss of security and the breakdown of their livelihoods.

These challenges are compounded by health risks, as floodwaters frequently contaminate drinking water supplies, creating fertile ground for the outbreak of various water-borne diseases. The cycle of destruction and recovery leaves lasting scars, with each flood deepening the vulnerability of these already marginalized communities.

Institutional Gaps in Flood Management

Despite the existence of the Manipur State Disaster Management Authority (MSDMA), systemic gaps persist in preparedness, early warning and community engagement.

1. Poor Coordination: Relief and rescue often lack inter-agency coordination. In the recent crisis, stranded citizens reported delays in aid, even from within Imphal.

2. Underdeveloped Early Warning Systems: Many villages lack access to flood alerts or weather updates. Mobile-based systems are limited by poor internet connectivity in hill areas.

3. Reactive, Not Proactive : Relief measures dominate the response, while long-term resilience planning and sustainable development remain under-prioritized.

Path towards Resilience

To build flood resilience, Manipur must undertake multi-pronged, scientifically informed strategies

A. Afforestation and Hill Slope Stabilization: Community-led forest restoration and agro-forestry programs should be promoted. Incentivizing native tree planting and contour trenching can help retain soil and water.

B. Integrated Urban Drainage Planning: A city-wide flood modeling system and modern storm-water infrastructure must be developed. Authorities should restore old nullahs (drains) and prohibit new constructions on wetlands.

C. Wetland and River Restoration: Protect and regenerate key wetlands. Loktak Lake must be desilted, encroachments removed and traditional water flow patterns restored.

D. Climate-Resilient Agriculture : Encourage flood-tolerant crops, crop diversification, and insurance schemes to protect farmers. Promote System of Rice Intensification (SRI) and organic farming practices.

E. Technology and Early Warning : Expand the Doppler radar network, use AI for flood prediction, and build mobile-based alert systems in local languages for all districts.

F. Community Preparedness and Education: School curricula should integrate disaster education. Panchayats must be trained to conduct local risk assessments and emergency drills.

Success Stories and Hope

Villages such as Phayeng has emerged as models of community-based environmental revival. Phayeng became India's first carbon-positive village by regenerating its forests and adopting eco- friendly practices. Such models must be scaled across the state. Similarly, the Imphal Riverfront Devt Project, if implemented with ecological sensitivity, can provide both flood protection and green public spaces.

Conclusion

The recurring floods in Manipur are not an unavoidable fate but a direct result of years of policy shortcomings, ecological neglect and the growing impacts of climate change. These floods are a painful reminder of how vulnerable we have become due to unplanned development, deforestation and insufficient attention to building climate resilience. Yet, the situation is not beyond repair.

With collective willpower, thoughtful planning grounded in science, and meaningful community participation, we can create a Manipur that is prepared to withstand floods and protect its people. This latest disaster must serve as more than just another tragic event; it should be the final alarm urging us to take immediate and decisive action.

Now is the time to prioritize sustainable solution- strengthening embankments, restoring natural water systems, improving early warning mechanisms and empowering local communities to mitigate risks.

Let us seize this moment to work together, not only to safeguard our homes and livelihoods but also to protect the land we cherish for generations to come. The future of Manipur depends on the choices we make today.