IFCD rolls up sleeves to tackle flood situation
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 23 2011: In view of annual inundation of some residential areas mostly due to breach of river banks, the Irrigation and Flood Control Department (IFCD) has already taken up pre-emptive measures to lessen the people's woes with adequate stocking of flood-fighting materials, claimed a source in the Department.

Conceding that inspite of similar measures adopted in the past flooding do occur as rainfall volume remains unpredictable, the source said despite suffering setbacks personnel of the Department are nevertheless committed to tackle every adverse situations and has been ensuring adequate stock-piling of emergency flood-fighting materials such as cement bags, bamboo-mats as well as bamboos.

Expressing that this time around impact of flooding, if any, would be less grievous compared to the recent past as retaining walls have been constructed at various vulnerable portions of some important rivers, the source also disclosed of non-plan provision of Rs 70 lakhs to the Department specifically to tackle emergency situation.

It is also informed that the under the Department's flood management programme, Imphal, Kongba and Iril rivers fall under Division No I whereas Division No II will be responsible for Nambul river, Waishel Maril, Merakhong and Abulok.

Following the rain in the last few days, Nambol river in spate

Moreover, rivers flowing across Thoubal district would be handled by the IFCD Division No III with Division No IV assigned to look after rivers flowing in Bishnupur district such as Nambol and Ishok rivers.

With regard to flood preventive measures initiated in the hill district, the source said besides construction of concrete retaining walls at vulnerable points of streams, boulders strung with binding-wires had been put in place, maintained the source.

Noting that in Imphal West district, Lamphelpat areas normally witnesses large scale inundation, the source explained that excessive rain-water drained into Lamphelpat from the Langol Hill range, thangmeiband and uripok areas and blockade of the outflow point at Shamushang Uku (culvert) generally leads to inundation of residential pockets and offices located in Lamphelpat area.

Expressing hope that construction of retaining wall from Shamushang Uku point along the Nambul river would ensure smooth flow of excess rainwater from Lamphelpat, the source further stated that apart from recent repairing of the Shamushang culvert four water pumps are being installed at the culvert point to minimise flood havoc.

While confessing that effective usage of the water pumps depends on supply of electricity whenever necessary, it also informed that water level of the Loktak Lake is being maintained through closure or opening of the sluice-gate at Ithai Barrage.

Seeking cooperation of the general public in case flooding occurs, the source urged all concerned to convey relevant information to the Department on telephone Nos.2451550/2450195 .

Informing that the Department has already provided flood-fighting materials for Khumbong and adjoining areas, the source called upon the public to refrain from digging river banks as most cases of flooding originates from such activities.