Crucial role of Waishel Maril in channeling water flow to Loktak stressed
Dredging work of waterway inspected
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 31 2024: In the midst of the devastating flood, Chief Minister N Biren Singh has highlighted the importance of Waisel Maril in channeling the flow of flood water from the greater Imphal area to Loktak Lake.

He made the statement while visiting the site of ongoing dredging and cleaning of Waisel Maril at Mongshangei Maning Leikai which commenced this afternoon.

Under the directive of the Chief Minister, the cleaning of Waisel Maril is being undertaken as a collaborative effort involving the Loktak Development Authority (LDA), District Administration, the Water Resources Department and the local MLA.

The cleaning of Waisel Maril is also being carried out at Lang-thabal Lep and near Imphal International Airport in addition to Mongshangei Maning Leikai.

Crucial role of Waishel Maril in channeling water flow to Loktak stressed

Inspecting the dredging work, N Biren Singh stated that the disposal of garbage, plastic bottles, solid wastes, debris and wild vegetation in different parts of Imphal has blocked the Waisel Maril at many spots.

This blockage has severely obstructed water flow, resulting in the inundation of surrounding areas in Imphal during heavy rainfall, which in turn poses the threat of causing man-made floods, he said.

The Chief Minister also lauded the ongoing efforts and urged the local people to extend their cooperation in ensuring that the water channel remains clean and free of blockages.

Assuring that the work would continue extensively, he stated that this collaborative effort aims to restore the natural flow of the water channel and prevent future flooding in Imphal area by draining excess floodwater to the Loktak Lake.

Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi also accompanied the Chief Minister during the visit.

In addition, M Asni-kumar, Chairman of Loktak Development Authority (LDA) inspected the clearing of Waisel Maril section at Langthabal Lep and near Imphal Airport this morning.

He was accompanied by representatives of the local youth club.

In the afternoon, a high-level team from the State Govt, led by Awangbow Newmai, Minister of Water Resources, Relief & Disaster Management; L Sushin- dro, Minister of PHED, CAF & PHED; Maharaja Leishemba Sana- jaoba, MP (RS); DC of Imphal West and other senior officials also inspected Waisel Maril.

Following the inspection, the cleaning and removal of weed, grasses and other materials from the channel commenced at Mongshangei Maning Leikai around 3 pm.

The operation was led by the Minister of CAF & PHED and Chairman of the LDA along with Sagolshem Kebi, MLA Naoriya Pakhanglakpa AC, Imphal West DC, PD of LDA and other Government officials.

Local clubs, including youth club representatives, also joined the event.

Asnikumar urged residents to recognize the nega- tive impact of improper waste disposal on the city's waterways and to adopt better waste management prac- tices to maintain the natural flow of the stream.