Govt prioritising safety of flood affected
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR
Imphal, July 03 2024:
Water Resources and Relief & Disaster Management minister Awangbow Newmai on Wednesday said that the first priority of the state government is to relocate the people from flood-hit areas to safer locations.
He continued that while the Water Resource Department has taken up all measures, the rivers are still flowing above the flood level and as such, appealed to the people to stay alert.
Speaking at a press conference held at his New Secretariat Office, here, minister Awangbow informed that owing to incessant rainfall from July 1, all major and smaller rivers flowing through Imphal have crossed High Flood Level (HFL) and overflowing their banks at different points.
In the last 24 hours, Kangpokpi recorded rainfall of 96 mm, Saikul 65 mm, Litan 36 mm, Raj Bhavan 34, Lamphel 38 and Jiribam 48 mm, said the minister.
He informed that Imphal River has overflown it banks at 16 different locations.
Most areas through which Nambol, Iril and Kongba rivers pass are inundated.
Although the water level has receded, it is still flowing above the flood level.
So far, over 10 areas in Imphal West district and 24 places in Imphal East district have been flooded, he added.
Stating that rescue operations are underway, the minister informed that over 2000 people have been evacuated, with around 1350 evacuated from Imphal East district.
Three relief camps have been set up in Imphal West district with DCs concerned working in coordination with NDRF and SDRF to move the flood affected people to safer locations and relief camps before the flood water level increases.
While no human casualty has been reported in Imphal area until now, two people including a doctor reportedly died in Senapati district, he noted.
At present, the momentum of rainfall in the upstream has receded significantly.
However, if the rain continues in the next 1-2 days, the rivers flowing above the danger level may breach their banks.
Compared to the May 28 floods, the water levels this time rose by up to two feet.
The Water Resource Department alone cannot battle this crisis and thus, active participation of manpower from volunteers, local clubs, MLAs', ministers, local representatives, state forces, paramilitary forces NDRF and SDRF are required to prevent overflowing or breaching of Imphal River at various locations.
So far, 25 NDRF personnel from Kohima have reached Imphal, while 20 NDRF personnel from Arunachal Pradesh will be arriving on Monday.
More NDRF team and boats are expected to reach Imphal.
If required, the centre will dispatch more NDRF teams with additional equipment, he said.
Awangbow further stated that severe flooding in Manipur, which has become a yearly event, is fallout of the widespread deforestation, encroachment on the river banks and mass poppy plantation.
Lack of rainfall results in the rivers drying up and in case of rainfall, the water becomes too muddy.
This is not due to jhum cultivation but due to mass poppy cultivation.
Each year, around 420sqkm of forest area is deforested and if this continues for another 10 to 15 years, there will be a serious ecological imbalance.
Hence, he urged all to work together to save the environment.
The main impact of the flood in Imphal is either due to overflow or seepage or breach of river bank.
Thus, there is the need to come up with a master plan to control recurrence of flood in Imphal.
Discussion is underway for a diversion in the downstream.
Currently, 6-7 important rivers in Imphal are vulnerable with high chances of flash floods after experiencing 2-3 days of rainfall.
As such, a long-term solution is the need of the hour, he said, while adding that at present, the government is taking up temporary measures to deal with the present situation.