Officials and CSOs inspect areas affected by Ithai barrage opening
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 27 2017: Officials of PWD, PHED and IFCD along with members of Civil Society Organizations of the concerned localities/areas , today, jointly inspected the caved in/sunken river banks and road portions from Hangul to Erong Khunou in Wabagai A/C as a result of the sudden opening of Ithai Barrage gates on November 22 .

Speaking to media persons during the inspection tour, All Manipur Muslim Organization Coordinating Committee (AMMOCOC) advisor Riyazuddin Aribam informed that Ithai Barrage which was commissioned in 1983 is still negatively affecting the people of the State.

39 locations along the road between Hangul to Erong Khunou, Wabagai A/C, have been caved in recently .

Officials and CSOs inspect areas affected by Ithai barrage opening

Besides, the river banks of Manipur River were also badly affected which in turn are affecting the houses, shops, community halls, waiting sheds and many other structures built nearby or on the areas, he conveyed .

The locals residing in the said areas are also bearing immense hardships owing to the flood which occurred constantly this year, Riyazuddin said and added that the sinking of the river banks were caused by the sudden opening of Ithai Barrage on November 22 which the officials concerned opened without informing or consulting the locals.

Noting that the roads also caved in as a subsequent impact of the sinking of the river banks, he lamented that the problem could have been prevented to some extent if retaining walls had been constructed.

Riyazuddin demanded the State Government and the authorities concerned to do the needful and restore the affected areas.

Meanwhile, Integrated Rural Development Agency (IRDA)' president Md Islamuddin who also participated in the inspection tour, warned that irate public of the affected areas of Ithai Barrage may collectively dismantle the barrage soon if it is not decommissioned at the earliest.

He lamented that none of the assurances given at the time of commissioning the barrage have been translated into action and not a single benefit has been received by the localities .

Instead the people are made to bear the repeated suffering and hardships caused by the barrage despite occupying and ruining around 83 hectares of lands, he added.