Meet demands withdrawal of canal plan
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 18 2024:
Residents of Leikinthabi Shantipur, Imphal West district have strongly opposed the government's plan to construct a canal along the village roads, citing flood risks.
The demand was made during a public meeting held at the premises of Shantipur Sporting Club (SSC) on Tuesday.
SSC secretary, while talking to the media after the meeting, highlighted the annual flooding issues faced by Leikinthabi Shantipur due to the flawed pickup weir dam on the Sekmai River, which was constructed with the intention of providing irrigation to nine villages.
The recent floods severely impacted the village, washing away five houses and irreparably damaging four others.
Despite a similar situation in 2015, residents have yet to receive any government compensation.
The secretary emphasised that constructing a canal in such a flood-prone area is unacceptable, as it could potentially submerge the village entirely in the future.
The meeting concluded with a unanimous demand for immediate withdrawal of the canal construction plan, urging the government to consider the villagers' plight and prioritise their safety.