MLA inspects breached Dolaithabi Barrage, calls for urgent measures
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 19 2025: Lamlai MLA Kh Ibomcha on Thursday visited Dolaithabi Barrage to assess condition of the structure after the damage caused to Gate No 4 on May 31 due to rising water volume in the catchment area, and urged officials to take urgent steps ahead of the monsoon season.

During the inspection, officials informed the MLA that the office of the Water Resources Department at the barrage site has been occupied by security forces since the outbreak of violence in the state.

As a result, department staff have been operating from a rented room at Pukhao Terapur.

The lack of on-site presence and shortage of staff made it difficult to operate the gates on time, which led to the breach.

The MLA advised officials to inspect the barrage's current condition thoroughly and identify measures to be taken before the monsoon intensifies.

He said that the barrage plays a critical role in supplying irrigation water to vast tracts of agricultural land and helps maintain the water level of the Iril River during the dry season, supporting several water supply schemes.

He also mentioned the formation of the Dolaithabi Barrage Development Committee, a civil body comprising representatives from villages between Pukhao and Pungdongbam, to help monitor the barrage's operation.

Committee president Thangjam Biren acknowledged the MLA's consistent efforts to improve the functioning of the banage.

A department official said that although three staff members are deployed for regular monitoring, they are facing serious challenges due to the temporary shift of their office.

Informing that the process to reclaim the office from the security forces is underway, the official also cited manpower shortage, with several posts lying vacant following retirements.

He further said that the damaged gate needs to be replaced, and efforts are currently on to retain as much water as possible until that happens.

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