Jiribam land shrinks as neighbours encroach
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 06 2009: Change of river course and encroachment by people from the neighbouring Assam are some factors for the gradual shrinkage of land size of jiribam sub-division.

During a recent visit by this reporter it came to light that Kamaranga village of the sub-division has lost about 66 acre of land to Assam after the Jiri river changed its course.

With the original settlers forced to shift to interior areas of Jiribam after their homes near the Manipur-Assam were ravaged due to the massive flooding and subsequent change of course of the Jiri river villagers from the neighbouring State swiftly occupies the abandoned site.

Portion of the Jiri river bank that had been breached by flooding and subsequently leading to shrinkage of the sub-division's land.

Apart from construction of houses by the people of Assam at the place that belonged to Kamaranga village before the river changed its course, the new occupants also prohibit entry of Kamaranga villagers.

Expressing concern that Government of Manipur is yet to act to regain the land, a kamaranga villager said even though officials deputed by the Government of Manipur visit the disputed place and take photos there is no evidence of any action from the State Government.

informing that due to unpredictable nature of the Jiri river, Kamaranga villagers prefer to leave their homes and seek shelter in safer places during monsoon season, he also expressed concern that size of Kamaranga village would further shrink whenever the Jiri river is in full spate.

When the problem was conveyed to the Irrigation and Flood Control (IFC) Minister N Biren, the Minister said the State Government has adopted a plan to construct retaining walls at vulnerable sections of the Jiri river bank to check land erosion for which requisite amount has been earmarked under the SPA fund.

Moreover, an official letter had been sent to the Brahmaputra Board for approving construction works along the Jiri river bank, Biren confided.

According to Jiribam ADC Y Iboyaima, non-existence of IFCD office in the sub-division is a major factor why the people of Jiribam have to endure severe inconveniences particularly during monsoon season.

He further disclosed that many employees posted to the Jiribam seldom report for duty as they do not stay in the sub-divisional HQs.

Informing that Line Departments are entrusted to implement Govt's flagship programmes, the ADC conceded that he is not aware of progress of schemes while adding that reports highlighting problems of the sub-division are regularly sent to the Govt of Manipur.

Iboyaima said among other developmental activities, works have begun for building construction of police training centre, rehabilitation centre, multi discipline sports complex and mini secretariat.

It is also informed that offices of the Agriculture Department, Youth Affairs and sports, as well as an ITI institution are being run from rented complexes.