Drainage system in Imphal going down the drain
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 25 2022: Imphal city, which is aspiring to be a smart city, is battling with its drainage system with all major drains filled up with garbage and not functioning properly, thus causing frequent waterlogging problems.

The pathetic condition of Imphal's drainage system is due to the people's apathy and ignorance for this important system as well as the authorities' failure to maintain the same.

For their selfish convenience, public are dumping all their wastes into the drains.

Drains which were once very wide and big have also become narrow due to encroachment by people.

As the drains become blocked, frequent waterlogging in different parts of Imphal city even when there is slight rainfall has become the norm.

Naga River which passes right through the heart of the capital city has been in deplorable condition for past many years.

One of the major polluters of Nambul river is Naga river.

The Naga river stretch especially from North AOC till the Khoyathong point is overgrown with plants and is blocked with waste materials from JN Dance Academy area till Khoyathong area.

Similarly, Waishel Maril, which runs through Keishamthong assembly constituency and several other ACs, is choked at different points.

The stretch of Waishel Maril at various points including Khagempalli Nganappi bridge is filled to the brim with plastic bottles and other solid wastes.

Other drains in Imphal are also in same situation.

Speaking to TPC, a senior citizen from Keishamthong AC recalled that Waishel Maril which passes through Keishamthong, Patsoi, Sagolband, Naoriya Pakhanglakpa, Nambol, Oinam and Wangoi ACs used to a free-flowing wide stream in the past.

But, presently due to encroachment it has shrunk significantly that one can easily leap over it.

On top of this, the drain has been blocked with garbage in many places which has led to frequent floods, he added.

The elder pointed out that to improve its condition, Waishel Maril needs a long term plan from the side of the government.

There is also the need to raise awareness on the matter amongst the people.

Though there is ban on usage of plastic, it is still being widely used.

A multidisciplinary team needs to be formed by the government for coming up a long term plan and implement it, he further emphasised.

What is most needed for proper functioning of the drainage system in Imphal and nearby areas is awareness amongst the public.

They need to realise that duping waste is the main reason for frequent flooding.

This issue just cannot be solved by the government, but still the government must dredge and clean up the drains of Imphal city before the arrival of Monsoon to provide some respite from flooding.

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