Fix accountability: Cong to Bhalla
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 02 2025: The Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) has submitted a memorandum to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla today, urging accountability for the breach of river embankments during the early monsoon phase and sought prompt, adequate compensation for flood victims.

Speaking to the media at Congress Bhavan after submitting the memorandum, MPCC senior spokesperson N Bupenda Meitei attributed the overflowing of rivers and collapse of embankments along the Imphal, Iril, and Kongba Rivers to the failure of the President's Rule Government in Manipur and the BJP Government, citing lack of preventive measures.

He said that the Ithai Barrage's inadequate gate management has worsened the flood situation in Manipur.

Despite the devastating flood situation in Manipur, only 4 out of 5 gates of the Ithai Barrage are currently open, with one gate still closed, he said and added that even on May 30, when the Governor reviewed the flood situation, only 3 gates of the barrage were open.

Asking why all 5 gates of the Ithai Barrage are not being opened, he asserted that the floods in Manipur could have been averted or mitigated had the barrage's gates been opened before May 27 .

The Congress leader urged the Government of India to seriously investigate the alleged mismanagement of NHPC Limited, responsible for the Ith'ii Barrage, and take necessary actions.

He also called for an investigation into the Water Resources Department, citing its "failure" in preventing and managing floods.

Saying that the Union Government sanctioned Rs 460 crore for critical flood control and anti erosion work in Manipur under Flood Management and Border Areas Programme, Bupenda asked where the money had been utilised.

N Bupenda Meitei further alleged that the private company entrusted with the flood control project failed to complete it within the deadline, contributing to the current flood situation.

He urged the Centre to order an independent investigation agency to probe the company's role in the disaster.

Alleging that the delayed opening of the Dolaithabi Dam gates caused the Iril River to swell, he added that the irresponsible handling of the dam by its officials led to widespread flooding at many places, affecting homes and roads.

He also claimed that the dam's structural quality is questionable and questioned the alleged Government's inaction, asking why Central security forces, helicopters, and other resources weren't deployed to repair the breached river embankments.

Saying that the ongoing flooding in areas such as Kongba Irong and Sekmaijin demonstrate the Government's complete failure, he urged the Governor to utilize all available resources to prevent further loss of life and property.

He also urged the Government to ensure the flood victims are compensated as soon as possible.

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