Luwangli provides a source of sustenance to Lamdeng
Source: The Sangai Express / Ng Liklai Leima

Imphal, February 02 2024: Luwangli, a tributary of Nambul River, runs even in the dry season and provides a source of water to the people of Lamdeng area almost throughout the year.

This, however, doesn't mean that Luwangli River is perennial at other places along its course.

Luwangli River which passes through Kanto Khurkhul, Loitang Khunou, Loitang Khullen, Khamra, Kameng, Lamdeng and Lamdeng Khunou is a tributary of Nambul River.

Speaking to The Sangai Express, president of Joint Forest Management Committee Kameng, Ngangom Megha (67) said that Luwangli River flows very thinly at Kameng areas and at times becomes dry during the dry season.

He said that it may be the construction of three dams by Minor Irrigation along the course of the river at Loitang Khullen, Khamran and another place which disrupts the flow of the river.

Megha continued that he has seen cracks developing at the bed of Luwangli River at Kameng area in the past.

There, however, is no disruption in the flow of the river water at Lamdeng area, Megha continued.

He said that the people of Lamdeng and Kameng have been engaging in widespread afforestation at the hillslope on the western side of Langol Reserved Forest since the last 25 years or so.

Stating that some springs at Kameng areas have been revitalized following the expansion of forest areas, Megha said that the water from the springs, however, seems to be draining toward Lamdeng side.

He went on to state that water from Leimarok, Touwibileima and Khongjaitabi - gorges at Langol Reserved Forest flows to Luwangli River.

Two localities of Kameng depend on the water from the spring at Leimarok while another two localities of Kameng get drinking water from Hawailokchao (a gorge) with the help of PHED, Megha maintained.

Reportedly, an archaic Manipuri book Langol Chingoiba mentioned about the presence of 12 brooks or streams at Langol Hill.

A local of Lamdeng and founder cum president of Lamdeng Makha Leikai Chingkan Lup Khundrakpam Tombi (75) said that Kameng is larger in size than Lamdeng but the latter has more people than Kameng.

He said that people of Lamdeng use water from the Luwangli River for household chores, agricultural activities throughout the year.

President of Lamdeng Water Supply Scheme Management Committee Thoudam Nandakumar said that the water supply draws its water from Luwangli River.

He also said that the water supply scheme dispenses water to 280 families of Lamdeng every third day but there is some technical problem which hinders in providing water to every family.

Professor Pradipkumar, Head of Geography Department of Manipur University, said that Luwangli River is a tributary of Nambul River which begins its course from Leimakhong.

Saying that both Luwangli and Leimakhong Rivers have their root at Kangchup Leimakhong Protected Forest area situated about 2150m above sea level, he said that the two rivers get separated at Kanto Khullen.

He also said that the western portion of Langol Reserved Forest is also a catchment area of the Luwangli River.

There won't be disruption in the flow of river water as long as catchment areas can recharge underground water adequately, Prof Pradip added.

A local of Khurkhul Heikham ongbi Memma said that Luwangli River used to be bigger in the past and there was no disruption in the flow of water throughout the year but the river has become shallow at Kanto Khullen, Khurkhul, Loitang Khunou, Loitang Khullen and Khamran areas.

The story is written under the media fellowship programme of the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change .

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