Imphal, May 25: Fear of rodents destroying food-crops in the entire district of Tamenglong is gaining ground as bamboo flowering has again been reported from Phaklong and adjoining villages of the district that is situated on the Manipur-Assam border.

Large-scale bamboo flowering resulting in huge rodent population explosion had tested the survival of people settled in Phaklong and nearby villages under Tousem sub-division some few years back, conveyed secretary (education) of Zeliangrong Students' Union, Manipur GH Newmee to some reporters at the district headquarters recently.

The bamboo flowering event this time around is said to be causing more fear on acute food shortages than the previous ones as large groves of the moubiwa variety have been affected.

Reflecting the adverse conditions people of Phaklong areas endured the last time when the rodents literally gnawed their way into the villagers' food-stock, Tousem Khullen Youth Club president Hangden recaslled that the villagers survived on pumpkins, taro (paan), sweet-potato (mangra) etc in absence of other food.

However, bamboo flowering currently blossoming at the sub-division areas is of larger magnitude and there is wide spread apprehension that destruction of the food-crops would be calamitous, he informed.

Hangden also highlighted that bamboo flowering not only leads to population explosion of rats and other destructive animals like wild-boars but cripples the villagers' economy as such events necessitates large-scale felling of bamboo groves.

according to president of the youth organisation P Doungam about 3000 villagers scattered in and around Phaklong have been silently tolerating lack of basic facilities like in transportation, education and health care systems, and with bamboo flowering certain to add to the unending list of despair the villagers are helpless other than hope for the best to cross another milestone in the ongoing survival test.

As deaths caused by starvation cannot be ruled out State authorities have to explore and provide all possible measures and assistance to prevent disastrous consequences, Doungam appealed.

The president also informed of the Tamenglong district's Deputy Commissioner T Panmei having conducted inspection survey to assess the situation by covering about 60-70 kilometres on foot last week.

The DC is said to have assured provision of rice quota for march month of about 1000 quintal besides extension of special package for the disabled and widowed.

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