Imphal Dam shut over suspected oil spill
Source: Chronicle News Service / Waari Singbul Network
Imphal, February 07 2024:
Concerns and fear grip residents of substantial part of Imphal East district as the Iril River, which courses through the area, revealed the presence of black substances upstream of the Dolaithabi dam on Wednesday morning.
This discovery prompted the closure of the dam, responsible for regulating the water volume, so as to prevent the polluted water from flowing downstream, particularly affecting the Imphal East district areas.
Responding to the alarming situation, Public Health Engineering (PHE) minister Susindro Meitei, along with various officials, including Imphal East deputy commissioner Kh Diana, SP Dr S Ibomcha Singh, PHED engineers, and experts from the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, visited the site for a thorough evaluation.
Water samples were diligently collected from multiple locations and sent for initial testing to respective laboratories.
A senior official mentioned that the blackish-colour substance appeared to be concentrated along a specific bank portion due to the wave and wind patterns.
Initial testing indicated that all parameters were within permissible limits for untreated water, yet further testing in advanced labs was deemed necessary.
As such, authorities urged villagers residing near the dam and affected river sites to stay vigilant and report any suspicious incidents.
Meanwhile, residents of Leitanpokpi Awang Leikai, who noticed presence of unnatural substances in the river, ceased using the water out of fear of potential toxic effects from the charcoal-like pollutants.
Given that Iril River's catchment area is the hill ranges of Saikul in the neighbouring Kangpokpi district, residents raised suspicions of intentional pollution by miscreants in Saikul to spoil the river water.
This incident follows a previous oil spill on January 10, which originated from a defunct power station and affected streams in Kanto Sabal and Sekmai villages in Imphal West district.
The spill, reportedly leaking from the Leimakhong heavy fuel power station in Kuki-dominated Kangpokpi district, heavily contaminated water used for domestic and agricultural purposes.