Give tryst a chance : Raison D'Etre of Takhel Khong, Bamon Leikai

Lt Colonel Aribam Bhogendra Sharma *

1. Brief description of Takhel Khong : This water body called Takhel Khong, later referred to as TK, is a series of water bodies from Brahmapur, Bamon Leikai, 4 to 5 kms to across Singjamei- Kongba Road- Khongman -Thongju/ Kyamgei and to Imphal River. It is not a running rivulet but fed from rain water during monsoon and when its full to the brim it flows down to the River Imphal at Thonju/Kyamgei.

However, to facilitate and ensure connectivity between the settlers/residents on both sides of the TK, bunds are created forming number of water bodies. The entire length of TK, now covered by thick Hyacinth, fast rising population density, coupled with lack of infrastructure for proper sanitation, sewage effluent from domestic household found released to these water bodies thus rendering the immensely valuable water unusable.

The water bodies have now become a dirty pit where domestic trash are thrown. The present state of TK is highly inconsolable.

2. Origin/background of Takhelkhong : Shri Gunachandra Sharma, Bamon Leikai, had published a write up in Matamgi Yakairol on 3rd June 2008, expressing great concern about the vanishing TK. Secondly one erudite educationist also expressed his concerns with tears in The Sangai Express on the deplorable condition of the collapsing retaining walls of TK.

However, there is a chronological variation on the opinionated version on time /period of creation of TK between the Google account and Shree Gunachandra Sharma. As per Google, Suzerain Charairongba (1701-1744AD) created TK during his reign whereas as per Shree Gunachandra Sharma, it was by Suzarain Ningthou Khomba in 1534 AD. Google, further said that Vaishnavism became a State religion in 1740 AD.

However, I don't visualise a big interminable discourse on the above subject variants.

3. No Water No Life : Whatever the case maybe, the big challenge before us is to bring back TK to life. The requirement of efforts to rejuvenate TK, needs massive financial support and huge man day's work. Recently, there was a report claiming that 21 major cities of India will run out of water in a matter of few years.

High population density and continuous negligence over usage/wastage of water, 80(approx) water bodies in Faridabad dist of Haryana, next to Delhi, have been vanishing very fast. No doubt, with utter pain and heavy heart, we will notice TK on the same fate in case we delay in undertaking immediate cognisable/actionable plans to reactivate the richly gifted water bodies.

We must not allow future generations to suffer from water depletion beyond imagination.

4. As an example on rejuvenation of water bodies, the work of cleansing Kali Bein rivulet, 160 kms long, in Punjab, started by an Environmentalist Baba Balbir Singh Seechwal alone in 2000 AD is apt.The rivulet, fully dried up, at places, sewage water released from cities viz Kapurthala, Sultanpur Lodhi and odd 20 villages along the course, found stagnant.

Later, Baba's commitments drew many local residents to cleaning the rivulet. It took 15-20 yrs to completely reenergise Kali Bein back to life. Now water released from Mukerian Hydel Project, as additional water resources, allows the rivulet flowing with fresh water down the stream allowing farmers to get water for their cultivated fields.

5. It will not be wrong to say that for reasons best known to them, the community residing astride the TK, have preferred to remain weak performers on tackling the tougher and bumpy road ahead to bring TK back to life. Now, time has come to dispense with the diabolic dalliance and proceed with concrete actions before it's too late.

It is really crucial, especially for the beneficiaries to prove through undaunting altruistic efforts for the general cause. This project will bring about significant change in:
a) Atmospheric compatibility
b) Scenic natural landscape
c) Boost in availability of fresh water for domestic use
d) Help in maintaining underground water level

6. Suggested Actions : The formidable challenge of bringing back TK to life has been growing gradually since last 3-4 decades and taken the shape of insurmountable and powerful enemy. It will be really unfair to remain unconcerned at this stage. A gigantic and massive support of people is the need of the hour to defeat the majoritarian narrative of lackadaisical attitude.

This huge water resources once restored back for use, will be a tremendous help to the people of Nahabam Bamon Leikei, Wankhei, Thongju and Kyamgei etc.

7. Detailed Prioritised Sequential actions/plans are discussed below:-

a) Accredited Local Clubs/Associations/Societies/NGOs: All welfare, sporting clubs and NGOs along the TK should meet on the issue and resolve ideological differences, if any, before further progress. Ideological syncretisation of all the clubs/associations is a must to rejuvenate TK.

b) All the Clubs/Associations along the TK : All the Clubs/Associations along the TK, should take leadership role to ensure mass followings. Residents should be convinced with a thorough briefing on its importance to avoid unintended contumacy. The indomitable spirit and untiring efforts of the beneficiaries should finally bring the water bodies to the unrelenting welfare workers.

c) Sewage Effluent: The sewage effluent from houses to the water bodies be stopped forthwith. Alternative arrangement by laying temporary channels or pipes to be made functional.

d) MP/MLAs/Municipal Councillors: MP/MLAs/Municipal Councillors be approached to support the project and render help financially. A wholehearted/concerted and joint efforts by the elected representatives be drawn to get official administrative nod from the State Govt.

e) Removal of water Hyacinth: Action for complete removal of the water Hyacinth be taken. Necessary technical help be obtained officially from the State Govt.

f) Maintenance of Water Bodies: All water bodies be numbered for easier management and allocation for maintenance responsibilities to the residents and should be permitted rearing fish for regular income and encourage involvement in maintaining the water bodies.

g) Sewage Treatment Plants: Minimum 2x Sewage Treatment Plants will be required. Municipal councillors be requested to ensure obtaining Govt. sanction. The capacity of Sewage Treatment Plant could be of 2mn litres and above.

8. Conclusion: We have to undertake an arduous journey, even to effect a complete rehash of social work ethics, if required. Now, the project seems to be non achievable through morrow. At the same time, big temptation beyond imaginable limit, be guarded against, not to make us weak, defenceless and vulnerable.

When the Day comes, we will realise that everything happens for a reason, forgetting those surreal days with uncertainty and tears; with a smile of relief and accomplishment. We will definitely see the great Day of Accomplishment and celebrate 2021as Annus Mirabilis for the beneficiaries and the residents. Don't lose heart.