Farmers set deadline to open dam gates
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, August 20 2024:
Following incessant rainfall in the state over the past few days, several areas in,Mayang Imphal and its surroundings are facing severe flood situation with rise in water level of the Loktak Lake inundating over 8000 hectares of agricultural and fish farms, prompting local farmers to demand immediate opening of the sluice gates of key dams to drain away excess water from Loktak Lake.
Apunba Mayang Imphal Lourok Committee, representing the aggrieved farmers, has served ultimatum to authorities to lift the gates/shutters of Ithai Dam, Khordak Bridge, and Ongamlen Dam at Nongmaikhong within three days failing which bandh would be enforced along the Mayai Lambi.
Briefing the media at Mayang Imphal Keithel on Tuesday, Committee secretary Yumnam Nanao highlighted the dire situation besieging the farming community, stating that over 8,000 hectares of farmland have been inundated due to continuous rainfall and fish farms overflown.
The continued closure of the dam gates is exacerbating the situation by preventing flow of the excess water, Nanao stated.
The farmers are not only demanding opening of the gates but also seeking compensation for the damages caused due to the flooding within 15 days.