Retaining wall renders Naga river narrower ; Acres of land likely to remain submerged
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 18 2015:
Lakhs of acres of agriculture land are likely to remain submerged due to construction of a retaining wall along the Naga River, that passes through Imphal, that has rendered the river narrower.
The project for construction of the retaining wall along the Naga River is being undertaken by MS Avantika under the Planning and Development Authority (PDA) with funding from Ministry of Urban Development, Govt of India.
Construction of the retaining wall from Khoyathong Machin to a bridge located at the adjoining area of Nagaram and Namdunlong along Dingko Road has been almost completed.
Naga River, also known as Naga Nullah is carrying surface runoff from several agriculture lands of Imphal East district like Achanbigei Loukon, Kontha Khabam Loukon, Kontha Ahallup Loukon and Laipham Khunou Loukon.
Since the shrunken river will no more be able to carry the same volume of water during peak season, the areas where the surface runoff originate or water source areas would be prone to flood.
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The width of the bank of the Naga River stretch from Namdunlong to Khoyathong Machin has also been gradually shrinking due to rapid urbanisation.
The shrinking of the river due to narrowing down of the retaining wall on both sides has also resulted in flooding of agriculture land in the event of heavy downpour for a few consecutive days.
The width of the river at a bridge along Dingko Road at Nagaram -Namdunlong area is 40 to 50 foot.
The construction of retaining wall along the river from Namdunlong to Khoyathong Machin via Deulahlane, and Ragailong areas has reduced the width of the river to just 13 foot.
The moot question is whether the much shrunken river would be able to carry the same volume of water that it used carry earlier during peak rainy season.
Local club members have been clearing the river every year.
Large tract of agriculture land and residential areas have been flooded every year in times of heavy downpour for a few days.
As such, the project needs serious attention before it is completed as it has the potential to create havoc and tragedies rather than provide benefits to all communities, said local residents while speaking to this reporter.