Manipur CM inspects cleaning work of Waisel Maril water channel amid floods

IMPHAL — Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Friday visited the site of the ongoing eviction and cleaning work of Waisel Maril, a crucial water channel that drains floodwater from Imphal city, at Mongshangei Maning Leikai in Imphal West district.

While appreciating the ongoing efforts and requesting the local people to extend their cooperation, the CM 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 is to restore the natural flow of the stream and prevent future flooding in the area.

Earlier, Chairman of the Loktak Development Authority (LDA), M Asnikumar along with representatives of local youth club, conducted a thorough inspection of the Waisel Maril section at Langthabal Lep and near Imphal Airport.

Under the directive of the chief minister, the cleaning of Waisel Maril will commence immediately. The operation will be a collaborative effort involving the LDA, district administration, the Water Resources Department, and the local MLA, it was informed.

Asnikumar urged the residents to recognise the negative impact of improper waste disposal on the city’s waterways and to adopt better waste management practices in order 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.

Addressing the issue of flooding exacerbated by climate change, deforestation and the mining of stone and sand along the riverbanks that is disrupting the natural barriers and destabilising the riverbeds, he warned that the frequency of extreme weather events, including severe urban flooding will increase.

He also pressed for the creation of adequate drainage system besides adopting sustainable measures in urban development and waste management.

Minister of Water Resources, Relief and Disaster Management Awangbou Niwamai; Minister of Public Health and Engineering department L Sushindro; Rajya Sabha MP Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba; DC of Imphal West; and other senior officials also inspected the Waisel Maril earlier amid the severe floods that have hit the state, especially Imphal.