Cong seeks Governor's action on flood fiasco, demands probe
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 02 2025: Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) has urged Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to intervene immediately and hold accountable those responsible for the ongoing flood crisis that has devastated large parts of the state, particularly in the Imphal valley and several hill areas.

In this regard, MPCC president K Meghachandra submitted a representation to the Governor seeking a thorough investigation into what the party described as complete breakdown of flood management and alleged misappropriation of funds meant for flood control measures.

Addressing the media at Congress Bhawan, here, on Monday, MPCC senior spokesperson Ningombam Bupenda said that scale of the flood was unprecedented and the response of the administration, currently under President's Rule, inadequate.

Cong seeks Governor's action on flood fiasco, demands probe

He noted that no significant initiatives were taken up by the administration to restore breached river banks or to utilise central forces effectively in managing the crisis, while demanding that the state revisit all flood control measures and projects undertaken by the water resources department to ensure that responsibility is fixed.

In the representation submitted to the Governor, MLA Meghachandra stated that the flood has affected lakhs of people, submerging thousands of villages, homes, paddy fields, community ponds, hospitals, educational institutes, power substations, radio stations and various government installations.

He alleged that the disaster was a direct result of the failure to implement proper flood management and preventive measures.

Citing specific lapses, Meghachandra pointed to alleged negligence of the National Hydro-Power Corporation (NHRC), which controls the Ithai Barrage.

He said that all five gates of the barrage remained closed from May 27 until the afternoon of May 30.It was only after the Governor chaired a review meeting on May 30 that three of the gates were opened.

According to reports in state dailies on June 2, four of the five gates had been opened by then.

The MPCC chief held both NHPC and the Union Government responsible for not having a proper policy in place to regulate the barrage gates which, he said, contributed significantly to the rising levels of the Imphal River.

Further, Meghachandra pointed out the collapse of flood control mechanisms at Dolaithabi Dam, which is under the state government, adding that the gates of the dam were not properly maintained and officials were absent when the Iril River began to overflow.

"When the gates were finally opened, they were reportedly carried away by the strong current.

This led to a sudden surge in Kongba River, worsening the flood situation across Imphal valley".

He then described the overflowing of both Iril and Kongba rivers as unprecedented in the state's history, blaming it on the inaction of the authorities concerned.

The MPCC president also demanded an investigation into the failure of flood control and anti-erosion works taken up under the Flood Management and Border Areas Programme (FMBAP).

He stated that a private company, Bharatia Infra Projects Limited (BIPL), had received Rs 168 crore in 2023 to build river bunds and retaining walls, but the work had not yet been taken up even after two years.

While calling for the company to be investigated by an independent agency and blacklisted, Meghachandra stressed that the water resources department, which is responsible for executing the FMBAP projects, must also be held accountable for failing to ensure timely and effective flood management.

The Congress leader appealed to the Governor for urgent action to ensure independent investigations into the roles of NHPC, water resources department and the contractors involved and sought adequate compensation for all affected persons and a time-bound action plan to control the ongoing flood situation and protect life and property across the state.

He urged the use of all possible resources to implement flood control measures effectively and to prevent further aggravation of the crisis.