People fear flood as retaining walls remain incomplete
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 18 2024: With the approach of rainy season, people fear of facing flood if the retaining walls being constructed on the banks of rivers flowing through valley districts remain incomplete even after rain comes.

A retaining wall constructed on the bank of Imphal river in Singjamei Makha Khongnangpheidekpi UJB school area since the past eight months remains incomplete.

Work on construction of the retaining wall measuring 20 metres has remained stalled for several months after initial phase.

Earth dug out for the construction too remains unfilled and accordingly there is high chance of breaching the river bank in the area in case water level of the river rises due to heavy downpour.

Local residents informed The People's Chronicle that construction of the retaining wall had stopped since the past few months and even local MLA Karam Shyam had been apprised about it.

Even though the MLA is said to have taken up the matter with the water resources minister, there has been no resumption of the construction work.

If the retaining wall happens to breach when water level of the river rises, Khongnang Pheidekpi and nearby areas like Ningomthongjao, Singjamei Waikhom Leikai, Kakwa Laishram Selungba Leikai, Lilando Lampak, Sairom Leirak, Nameirakpam Leikai, Bini Leirak and other areas will be flooded.

Friends Union Club, Khongnangpheidekpi secretary Ningombam Baljit informed The People's Chronicle that officials of the department concerned will be approached to complete construction of the retaining wall before the onset of rainy season.

If not, local residents will fill the earth removed for construction of the retaining wall so as to prevent flood, he said.

On the other hand, river bank dug out for entering heavy machineries for construction of upgraded Irilbung water supply on the southernside of Irilbung bridge at Keirao Bitra in Imphal East district around two years back remains unfilled till date and this will surely create artificial flood when rain comes and the water level of Iril river rises.

Even after completion of laying pipes for the water supply scheme, the earth dug out remains unfilled till date.

Though officials concerned gave assurance of filling the dug out area after completion of laying water intake pipes, local residents do not see any sign of completing the work before the coming rainy season.

If the dug out area remains unfilled, many areas in Irilbung and nearby areas like Khanarok, Chanam Sandrok, Keirao Wangkhem and vast paddy fields will also face flood if rain comes and the water level of Iril river increases.

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