Phayeng faces drought-like situation
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 23 2025:
Paddy fields in Phayeng are facing a drought-like situation due to the Government's failure to rebuild the Phayeng Dam which was swept away by floodwaters more than 10 years ago.
Inspecting the paddyfields of Phayeng under Sekmai AC, Imphal West, along with numerous farmers, Ningthoujam Basantakumar, president, Chingu Pangalba Social Welfare Association, said that the dam over Maklang River which was built in 1998 was swept away during the flood of 2012-2013 .
But it has not been rebuilt even after 10 years, causing frequent shortage of water in the paddyfields of Phayeng and nearby villages.
Four canals from the dam, namely, Sanjel Loukhong, Pal Loukhong, Tinsitpham Loukhong and Khongnaobi Loukhong, used to supply water to the surrounding paddyfields.
Since the dam was swept away in 2012-2013, many farmers have lost their harvest in the absence of adequate monsoon rains due to shortage of water, said Basantakumar.
Farmers in Phayeng are dealing with water scarcity this year and if it doesn't rain in the next 3/4 days, cracks will begin to appear in some of the fields, he said.
He also highlighted the benefits of rebuilding the Phayeng Dam, such as ample water for agriculture which will lead to greater crop yield and a step towards food self-sufficiency.
However, repeated appeals to rebuild the dam to former MLA of Sekmai AC Kh Devendro as well as the current MLA H Dingo and other related officials have gone unheeded, he rued.




