Paddy fields submerged at Thoubal, IE
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 15 2025: Intermittent rainfall and overflowing water from Thoubal River have submerged hundreds of acres of paddy fields in several areas of Imphal East and Thoubal districts, the All Manipur Progressive Farmers' Association has said, appealing to the Government to take up immediate relief measures and sanction appropriate compensation for farmers.

While incessant rainfall has caused frequent floods in Manipur, the Government is to be blamed for failing to implement a proper policy and long term solutions to the control flooding.

"This is not a natural disaster, but manmade - a result of the Government's failure," said Konthoujam Thoiba, president of the All Manipur Progressive Farmers' Association.

Paddy fields submerged at Thoubal, IE

Speaking to The Sangai Express, Konthoujam Thoiba, who is also the coconvenor of COCOMI Farmers' Wing, said hundreds of farmers of Imphal East and Thoubal districts have been affected by the "man-made flood" .

In Imphal East, acres of paddy fields at Sabungkhok, Seijang, Yaingangpokpi, Pungdongbam, Napetpalli, Poiroupat, Yaralpat and Leingam Loukol etc have been flooded.

In Thoubal district, hundreds of acres of paddy fields at Yairipok, Thoubal Haokha and other areas have submerged under water, Thoiba said.

While flooding has become frequent in recent years in Manipur, the Government has not taken concrete steps to control and curb such disasters, he said.

While others States have proper policies to address man-made and natural disasters including flood, and improve productivity, the Manipur Government has seems to be lacking a concrete policy to improve agriculture sector, Thoiba said.

The Government may have a policy, but it has not been implemented, Thoiba asserted.

Thoiba said the State has not taken up any steps to improve the irrigation system and other areas of agriculture.

Further, the Government has taken no step to form a State Level Monitoring Committee to monitor natural disasters including flood and drought, he added.

One of the reasons for the frequent floods in Manipur is the operation of the Loktak Hydroelectric Project, he said.

The gates of the Ithai Dam are kept closed to store and supply sufficient water for generating electricity.

In time of incessant rainfall, this causes water to breach riverbanks and inundate vast tracts of fields, he added.

Floods and droughts etc cause crops to fail and impact overall productivity.

A fall in productivity ultimately affects the State's economy.

To avoid such conditions, the Government must bring about a proper agriculture policy and implement a long term solution to mitigate impacts of flood and drought, Thoiba said.

Stating that the Government shouldn't wait for the public and farmers' to appeal for relief, Thoibi urged the Government to take immediate steps for early and timely disbursal of appropriate compensation to farmers from relevant funds.