Untapped resources deters Barak villages' development
Source: The Sangai Express / Ng Liklaileima

Imphal, November 10: Despite availability of rich resources and enchanting sights that could attract tourists, villages located along the bank of Barak river in Tamenglong remains steeped in poverty due to lack of transport and communication facilities.

Agricultural products of various kind grown in these villages could not reach the markets and tourists behold the beauty of the numerous scenic spots dotting the region.

With transport bottleneck remaining the hallmark of underdevelopment of the region, the people living in these remote villages felt that introduction of motor-boats on Barak river may solve the problem of the people to a certain extent.

Hard working people living in around 28 villages located along the bank of Barak river falling under Tamei block, Tousem block and Tamenglong block of Tamenglong district have been producing Orange, Pumkin, Ginger, Yongchak, U-morok, Pan (taro), etc in large quantity annually.

Vegetables of various kinds that are relished by the people of Manipur are also grown in these villages.

But as these products could not reach the market due to lack of proper road communication, they are lying in waste.

With Mother Nature being bounteous in her blessing, the region also boasts of some of the most scenic spots in the State that could be tapped for touristic purposes. However, with no infrastructure for connectivity, enchanting sights of the cascading Agu Khoudong waterfall more commonly known as Barak waterfall, greenish-blue colour expanse of Zeilat Lake, mystical Tharon Cave, steep and gurgling Lokhai Cliff and waterfall, Peikao and majestic Namthiram Range remain unknown to the rest of the world.

The Agu Khoudong waterfall of the Barak river in all its serene beauty

To enjoy the beauty of Zeilat lake which is closely associated with the history of Manipur, first of all one has to cross Barak river by canoe and then walk for 17 kms from Akhui village.

Ironically, Zeilat lake and Agu Khoudong waterfall (Barak waterfall) are two of the tourist spots that have been recognised by the Government of Manipur.

In order to ensure agricultural products of the villages reach markets and woo tourists visit and enjoy natural beauty of the area, chairman of Zeliangrong Students' Union, Manipur JH Newmeh urged the State Govt for taking up necessary measures at the earliest possible for introducing engine-propelled boat services from Tamenglong-Tousem-Haflong-Barak point to Jiribam, Silchar.

Agu Khoudong can very well serve as the exchange parking of the proposed boat service, Newmeh suggested.

He pointed out that the biggest problem being faced by the people living along the bank of Barak river is that of communication and transport.

Echoing similar sentiment, Lamthuilienmang-chairman of Bamgaijang village, stated that such boats on Barak river is the only solution to problem of transport bottleneck being faced by the people of Barak area for ages.

While accepting the invitation of Lunsudin of Jeiletjang village to come and pick Oranges being grown in his orchard, this reporter saw many Orange and Lemon trees growing heavy with fruits that are also littering around the tree stalks.

When inquired why he is not taking the fruits for selling in the market, Lunsudin countered by asking how one is supposed to take the fruits carrying in the Sam walking over a distance of 17 kms till Akhui village or to Tamenglong Headquarters walking for 6 hours ? Besides these two roads, there is no other alternative route, he informed.

'Due to sheer waste of Orange and Lemon fruits in the absence of any marketing facilities, I do not want to cultivate them in my orchard', he added.