Non-stop rain cuts off Phayeng, Lamshang
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 23 2025:
The nonstop rain in the last 24 hours days has cut off connectivity for dozens of villages in Lamshang and Phayeng regions, while it has caused localised flooding in many localities of Imphal.
With a bridge at Lamshang Bazar still under construction for many years, and a temporary diversion road inundated by water, people are facing extreme difficulties in reaching Imphal.
The under-construction bridge sits on Lamshang River and along the Imphal-Haflong Road, also known as Uripok-Kangchup Road.
Its construction was earlier handled by a company but was taken over by the Public Works Department.
With the bridge under construction, vehicles were using a temporary diversion on the river bed near the foot of the bridge.
Drizzles and downpour in the last few days have meanwhile inundated the river bed and the temporary culvert bridge.
Vehicles are no longer able to cross the river.
Villages including Phayeng, Singda, Lairenkabi, Koutruk, Kadangband, Lamlongei, Tera Urak, Lairen Sajik, Mayang Langjing, Phumlou, Senjam Chirang, Kameng, Mana Ingkhol, Loitang Khunou, Loitang Khullen, Lamdeng, Lamshang, Haorang Shabal, Heibong-pokpi, Akham and Taothong have been affected.
Due to heavy rainfall yesterday, the only nearest temporary diversion road has been inundated by more than 3 feet, disconnecting Lamshang and many villages across the river, said locals.
Due to the height of the water level and strong current, vehicles are unable to cross the temporary culvert which is installed just on the river bed.
This has caused great inconveniences to the people on both sides of the river, they added.
Rural United Club Organisation (RUCO), a conglomerate of 42 clubs and organisations in Lamshang and Phayeng Assembly Constituencies, has called for immediate actions to ease connectivity and complete the construction of the bridge.
Speaking to The Sangai Express, RUCO president Ningthoujam Rasantakumar said that the bridge has been under construction since many years and yet, it has not been completed, disrupting connectivity in the region.
When a bridge is under construction, it is the duty of the Government and the authorities concerned to arrange or construct a proper and adequate temporary diversion road, he said.
The construction of a shabby diversion on the river bed near the foot of the bridge by throwing in some culverts is not a proper arrangement and a reliable alternate road, Rasantakumar said.
The diversion road or the temporary culvert bridge on the river bed is inundated by water frequently during rainy days, cutting connectivity, he said.
In case of medical emergencies, people are facing extreme difficulties and inconveniences.
With the diversion road inundated with water, people have no other options but to travel many extra kilometres to reach Imphal, he added.
The under-construction bridge, once completed, will ease connectivity and cut travel time to Imphal.
The Government and the authorities concerned should expedite the work to complete the bridge at the earliest in the interest of the people of the region, Rasantakumar said.
If the project is ignored and kept incomplete to the inconvenience of the public, RUCO along with the people of the region will launch intense agitation, he cautioned the Government.
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