Tronglaobi reels under acute water shortage

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Feb 18 : Acute shortage of water has hit the residents of Tronglaobi and adjacent villages hard, even as they struggle to meet their daily needs.
Tronglaobi, a village located in Bishnupur district, has been grappling with a severe water shortage since the onset of the ongoing crisis on May 3, 2023, forcing residents to depend on water tankers.
Speaking to The Sangai Express, a resident of Tronglaobi explained that his village, along with several neighboring ones, has historically relied on a consistent water supply from Tharoi Lok (gorge) at Thangjing Hills, which flows into Laika River and Bor Thingel (another waterway), even during the lean season.
However, this has changed in recent years due to large-scale deforestation in Thangjing Hills, poppy plantations and the establishment of unauthorised villages through encroachment, all of which have led to the disappearance of several vital water springs, he said.
Both Laika River and Bor Thingel have completely dried up. He also claimed that the pipes, which were installed at the gorges of Thangjing Hills as part of a water supply scheme, have been cut by some Kuki miscreants, forcing them to face severe water shortages.
He claimed that the pipes were deliberately cut to halt water supply to the Meetei community.
Highlighting the plight of the villagers, he pointed out that most of the local ponds have also dried up.
He further mentioned that they have raised their concerns with the local MLA, who assured them that a water reservoir would be built at Kwakta to store water from Khuga and supply it to villages on their side.
However, he stated that no tangible initiative has been taken so far to resolve the issue.
Highlighting the difficulties faced by the villagers, he mentioned that they have been relying on private tankers to meet their water needs, purchasing 500 liters at Rs 200.
He pointed out that neighboring villages to Tronglaobi are facing similar water shortage.