Ukhrul MI office bears marks of abandonment
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, August 06 2025: The Minor Irrigation Sub-division IV office in Ukhrul - a key government department assigned to oversee vital water management and canal projects - has been in a state of 'dormancy' for decades, operating as good as non-existent' due to a critical lack of manpower and essential resources.

The sorry state of affairs came to light when The People's Chronicle surveyed the office, located at Phungreitang in the heart of Ukhrul district headquarters recently.

The building was found in a ramshackle state, as if it had been abandoned years ago.

Despite its single front door being open during the visit, the six-chamber structure was found to be gathering dust, without manpower or resources required for a functioning government department.

The only individual present was an LDC who appeared to have been reduced to merely guarding the dilapidated building.

Reliable sources revealed that the MI Sub-division IV currently operates with a skeletal staff of just four members, including an Assistant Engineer (AE), a Section Officer (SO), a road mohori, and an LDC.

An acute lack of replacement for retired employees, resulted in severe staffing shortage within the department, added the sources.

Meanwhile, a visitor, who came to submit a project proposal for a canal construction in his village, was left frustrated as the AE is not permanently stationed at the Ukhrul office, making only periodic visits.

The visitor expressed disappointment over the apparent dysfunction of the department, stating that they were confused about where to submit their proposal for necessary procedures and approvals.

He urged authorities concerned to look into the issues affecting the MI, which he said, is an important department for the agricultural community in the hills.

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