Acres of Kyamgei Loukol stay inundated all year through Man made barriers block free outflow of excess water

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Nov 7 : The need for proper planning in implementing developmental projects and building private infrastructure is evident in Manipur, as seen at Kyamgei Loukol, which remains waterlogged year-round, for- cing farmers to put in extra effort while planting and harvesting crops.
Acres of these fields stay inundated because irrigation canals and drainage systems are obstructed or covered during the construction of godowns, private structures, and Government projects.  
As a result, farmers face severe difficulties in planting and harvesting, requi- ring them to invest extra money and labour.
A group of farmers told The Sangai Express that Kyamgei Loukol was known for its fertility and high yields when they were young.
During excess monsoon rains, water from the Loukol would flow naturally through Leishang Hiden into the Chandranadi canal and then to the Nambul River, the farmers explained, noting that the current state of Kyamgei Loukol is a stark contrast to its fertile and productive past.
The farmers continued that excavating Leishang Hiden for implementing Govt projects and the construction of buildings, fen- ces, and land levelling by private individuals by covering canals and drainage systems after purchasing the fields without proper planning, have left Kyamgei Loukol waterlogged year-round. According to these farmers, the primary cause of waterlogging at Kyamgei Loukol is the blockage of outlets originally designed to drain water from the fields into the Chandranadi canal.
The situation worsens every year, they said.
In the past, water from the Loukol drained into Leishang Hiden, but now water from Leishang Hiden occasionally flows toward the fields, the farmers said.
The farmers said that excess water in the Loukol leaves them no choice but to spend extra money on planting and harvesting. They added that harvesting a single sangam (a local unit of field measurement) at the Loukol requires at least Rs 13,000 to Rs 15,000.
Many farmers are reluctant to continue agricultural work, they said, adding that they have been farming under such precarious condi- tions for years.
They appealed to the Govt and the local MLA to take urgent steps to restore proper drainage, as in the past, to ensure proper yields.
The farmers also urged all concerned to refrain from blocking drainage or irrigation canals when construc- ting infrastructure near paddy fields and its adjacent places.