The recent flash flood that occurred twice over the last three months in Manipur due to incessant rain affected as many as 3,844 hectares (Ha) of paddy fields, Agriculture Minister Th Biswajit said on Thursday.
The minister was responding to an unstarred question moved by MLA K Ranjit on the second day of the sixth session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly.
Further, the minister also said that the agriculture department will not provide any assistance to farmers of flood affected paddy fields. However, under The Business of Government of Manipur (Allocation) Rules, 2009, in connection with Natural Disaster and Relief, the department of relief and disaster management should provide assistance.
The agriculture department is ready to provide paddy of short period production of 181/80 MT and it has started the distribution to farmers through district agriculture officers, the minister informed.
For Rabi crops of this year, 15,500 MT urea was provided by the ministry as state allocation, however, it is yet to provide state allocation of 2024-25 from the ministry, he added.
Minister Biswajit also said that for the Kharif crop of this year, 20818 MT urea has been demanded from the ministry for the state. 11,700 MT urea has reached the state and 2550MT are in transit, the minister said, adding that 8567.06 MT urea have been distributed to farmers.
Under the fertilizer subsidy scheme of the government of India, the department of agriculture is providing Rs 266.50 per 45 Kg/bag of urea to farmers, he said.
Illegal RCC bridge by Kuki to be dismantled
The illegal RCC bridge constructed over the Imphal River in K Malnom Village in Chandel district will be dismantled and those involved in the construction including the financer will be nabbed, chief minister N Biren assured on the floor of the House on Thursday.
The issue was raised during the second day of the Budget session by opposition MLA K Ranjit, who highlighted the potential security risks posed by the bridge amidst ongoing communal tensions in Manipur.
The opposition MLA expressed apprehensions that the bridge could facilitate easier attacks by Kuki militants on nearby Serou village.
He alleged that despite previous halts in construction ordered by the state, work had resumed unchecked.
Chief Minister Biren responded, acknowledging challenges posed by high water levels that had hindered immediate dismantling efforts.
However, CM Biren affirmed that once conditions permit, the illegal structure will be dismantled.
He further disclosed that FIRs have been filed against the chief of K Malnom Village and other individuals involved in the unauthorised construction. Emphasising legal compliance, Biren indicated that the land under which the bridge stands may have its patta cancelled in accordance with existing laws.
