Imphal, March 20 2009: Owing to unusual pattern of rainfall in the state since September last year till now, water scarcity becomes a big headache particularly in Greater Imphal area.

The condition of Imphal River has also deteriorated due to negligence in maintaining the river timely.

Shrubbery began growing in the river.

To top all these, the non-availability of water at Canchipur Water Supply Scheme has caused scarcity of drinking water in town.

There is likelihood of cessation of drinking water supply from all the Water Supply Schemes located between Singjamei Bridge and Kyamgei along the Imphal River after the end of March, according to the concerned departmental officials.

Since local populace used to demolish makeshift Kacha Dam built along the river for tapping of the river water coupled with technical hitch to the machineries, as much as necessary water cannot be tapped.

As such, the situation of dispute over river water is inevitable, said the officials.

The change in rainfall pattern and atmosphere during the past months has also caused severe sickness to some people.

It has also caused deep apprehension among some section that Jaundice and dysentery may be prevalent due to the uneven situation.

According to information obtained from the Meteorological Office located at the Imphal Airport, the total rainfall between September 2007 and March 2008 was recorded as 527.2 mm while the rainfall between September 2008 and March 20, 2009 has been put at 206.6mm. The state had not witnessed the coming of pre-monsoon rain till date while the same had been coming by the first week of March generally in the past years.

This has also become a cause of concern for some sections.

The ponds and pools which had once been a source of water were leveled now for human habitation due to the increasing human congestion of Imphal.

Therefore, the locals have mostly depended on the water supply schemes installed by the government at each locality.

As of now, the water supply schemes have failed to deliver water to localities due to the drying up of Imphal River water.

The irregularity in power supply has also become a disadvantage in drawing water.

This has compelled the people to form serpentine queue waiting for water from the water supply schemes each morning.

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