Kakching Ithei canal dredged/cleansed
Source: Chronicle News Service

Kakching, June 16 2025: The Kakching Ithei Committee carried out canal dredging/cleansing drive on Monday, removing accumulated sediments along the canal's stretch from Kakching Ithei Maru Pickup Weir Dam in Maipou till Pallel.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the drive, Committee president Yengkhom Achouba highlighted the importance of the canal, which'carries water year-round from the Pickup Weir Dam - constructed on the Shengmai River at Maipou - to irrigate paddy fields in and around Kakching.

He noted that the canal also benefits residents of Maipou, Beau lahram, Teraphai, Tuish-imi, Pallel, Kakching, and Irengband, either directly or indirectly.

However, he expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of the approximately 15-kilometre-long canal, citing years of neglect by the authorities.

He said the canal has gradually narrowed due to siltation from soil washed down from nearby hills.

Additionally, illegal encroachment along the canal's banks has further reduced its width, raising fears that the waterway could eventually disappear.

In response to this, the committee initiated the cleaning drive using earth excavators to restore the canal.

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