Recurring flood reveals failing drainage system

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Mar 23 : Pathetic it is. Flooding in Manipur has become such a recurring issue that even a brief spell of rain results in waterlogging across various areas.
This persistent problem, however, is largely caused by artificial factors, primarily the lack of proper drainage systems and the failure of drains to effectively channel water.
For instance, both sides of the Mongsangei to Langthabal Phuramakhong road stretch along Mayai Lambi (National Highway 137-A) are frequently inundated at various spots due to the lack of a proper drainage system.
This waterlogging along the roadside at Mongsangei Karong, Langthabal Awang Leikai, Mayai Leikai, Makha Leikai, Saikhom Leikai, and Phuramakhong causes severe inconvenience to commuters, pedestrians, and residents of the nearby areas alike.
Mutum Johnson Meitei, secretary of the Young Welfare Club Langthabal Nambul Mapal, told The Sangai Express that a small drain which used to run through Langthabal when he was young was enough to channel water to Waisen Maril and the nearby paddy fields.
He added that the rampant construction of shops and other structures on encroached khaslands, however, has led to the failure of the drainage system.
Saying that the illegal structures were evicted during the recent President's Rule regime, he added that the absence of a proper drainage system in the area, however, continues to cause waterlogging whenever it rains.
Most of the drains at the locality have disappeared, Johnson said, adding that some drains constructed under MGNREGA are only two feet deep, which is not enough to handle the water. Mayai Lambi is considered a National Highway only on paper, as it lacks all basic infrastructure, he said,  urging the Government to construct a proper drainage at Langthabal area.
He also mentioned that Waisen Maril which passes through several Assembly Constituencies is only about 2 feet wide from Meijrao, and this narrowing of the canal often leads to inundation at Langthabal Loukol. He urged the Government to consider widening Waisen Maril to effectively channel the water.