Loktak Development Authority (LDA) chairman M Asnikumar accompanied by representatives of local youth clubs on Friday conducted an inspection of the Waisel Maril section at Langthabal Lep and near Imphal Airport.
The Waisel Maril, a crucial water channel that drains floodwater from Imphal city, is currently unrecognisable due to the accumulation of solid waste, wild grass, weeds, and other debris.
This blockage has severely obstructed water flow, resulting in the inundation of surrounding areas during recent heavy rainfall.
Under the directive of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, the cleaning of Waisel Maril will commence immediately.
The operation will be a collaborative effort involving the LDA, district administration, the Water Resources Department. MLA Asnikumar emphasised that this measure is essential to prevent flooding in Imphal city during the monsoon season.
He urged residents to recognise the negative impact of improper waste disposal on the city’s waterways and to adopt better waste management practices to maintain the natural flow of the stream. He also highlighted the issue of encroachment around Waisel Maril, calling on the public to refrain from such activities to prevent future flooding.
M Asnikumar Singh also addressed the issue of flooding exacerbated by climate change, owing to deforestation and stone and sand mining along riverbanks that disrupt natural barriers and destabilize riverbeds, reducing their capacity to channel water.
He stated that climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, leading to more severe urban flooding. He also pressed for the creation of adequate drainage systems and the adoption of sustainable measures in urban development and waste management.
In the afternoon, a high-level team from the state government, led by Awangbow Niwamai, Minister of Water Resources, Relief & Disaster Management, L Sushindro, Minister of PHED, CAF & PHED, and Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba, MP (RS), the DC of Imphal West, and other senior officials, also inspected the Waisel Maril.
Following the inspection, at around 3 pm of Friday, the eviction and cleaning of the Waisel Maril commenced at Mongshangei Maning Leikai. The operation was led by L Susindro Meetei, Minister of PHED, CAF & PHED, and M Asnikumar Singh, chairman of the Loktak Development Authority (LDA), along with Kebi Devi, MLA, the DC of Imphal West, the PD of LDA, and other government officials.
Local clubs, including youth club representatives, also joined the event, pledging their cooperation. Their involvement came after being briefed on the importance and positive impact of cleaning the stream by the visiting high-level official team led by Minister Susindro Meetei.
Later, Chief Minister N Biren Singh visited the site of the ongoing eviction and cleaning work at Mongshangei Maning Leikai. He appreciated the ongoing efforts and appealed to the local people to extend their cooperation.
He assured that the work would continue extensively, highlighting the importance of the Waishel Maril water regime for the Greater Imphal area in channeling water flow to Loktak Lake. He stated that this collaborative effort aims to restore the natural flow of the stream and prevent future flooding in the area. The chief secretary also accompanied the chief minister’s visit.
