Second rice bowl of Manipur lie parched and 'thirsty'
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 26 2019: It is being predicted that if the scarcity of water at Sabam Loukon (located at Lamlai AC), which is the second largest Loukon in the State as well as one of the major producers of rice, continues any further, the State might experience a famine like situation this year.

The lack of rainfall this year, followed by the apparent failure of the Government to do anything in this regard, have resulted in most parts of Sabam Loukon being virtually devoid of any crop, according to the locals and farmers of the area.

The people also expressed great disdain at the lack of actions from the side of the local MLA as well as the State Government.

A team of media persons, along with members of Lamlai Kendra Development Committee (LKDC), went on an inspection trip to Sabam Loukon today and the team witnessed that even though paddy had been planted, the scarcity of water had resulted in many empty fields as the paddy simply refused to grow.

Speaking to the media persons, the farmers and the locals informed that Sabam Loukon is the 2nd largest Loukon in Manipur covering around 200 sq kilometres.

Every year, Sabam Loukon produces such a large amount of rice that it not only fills the stomach of the people of Lamlai, but the excess rice feeds the people of Ukhrul, Imphal West and other districts of the State as well.

As such, in the past, if Sabam Loukon fails to produce any rice, a famine usually occurs in the State, the people lamented, adding that the condition is becoming so bad at Loukon that a famine might occur this year.

Stating that the farmers and people of Lamlai have been rendered powerless to do anything except watch as conditions deteriorate due to the lack of rain, the locals lamented that they have come across claims in many local dailies and media that the State Government has taken up many steps for the welfare of the farmers.

However, the farmers of Sabam Loukon are yet to see or get any such measure from the Government till date, they alleged.

On the claims by the Government that it has distributed 5 pump sets to each of the Assembly Constituency for the farmers, the disgruntled people asked where the pump sets are for Lamlai AC.

Speaking to the media, one of the farmers said that the local MLA of Lamlai seems unconcerned with the whole situation even though the people are going through such a hardship.

Instead of helping the people of his AC, the MLA seems content running after his superior, he alleged, adding that the people of Lamlai feel as if they do not have any MLA to address their grievances.

The farmer continued that Sabam Loukon is located near Iril river and Mapithel Dam and as such, if the Government genuinely wants what is best for the people, it can easily channel water from these two sources to Sabam Loukon and turn the situation around for the better.

On the other hand, LKDC advisor Achoibam Deven strongly condemned the attitude of the State Government despite the immense hardship faced by the people of Lamlai due to what is happening at Sabam Loukon.

He then appealed to the State Government to do the needful and direct the authorities concerned to channel water to the Loukon from Iril river.

He further appealed the Government to ease the suffering of the farmers by providing alternate crops for cultivation in some parts of the Loukon where rice cannot be grown.

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