Imphal: The Water Resources and Relief & Disaster Management Minister, Awangbow Newmai, stated on Wednesday that the State Government’s top priority is relocating flood victims to safer areas.
Speaking at a press conference at his New Secretariat Office, Minister Awangbow explained that most parts of the Imphal River have surpassed the danger level, leading to the evacuation of over 2,000 people. The remaining residents were moved to safer locations and relief camps before the floodwaters rose, and no deaths have been reported in the Imphal area so far.
To prevent the Imphal River from overflowing and breaching at various locations, the Minister called for active participation from volunteers, local clubs, MLAs, ministers, local representatives, state forces, and paramilitary forces, including the NDRF and SDRF.
He announced that 25 NDRF personnel from Kohima have already reached Imphal, with an additional 20 personnel from Arunachal Pradesh and more NDRF teams and boats on the way.
Minister Awangbow attributed the severe flooding in Manipur to widespread deforestation, riverbank encroachment, and mass poppy plantations.
He warned that if deforestation continues at the current rate of 420 square kilometres annually, there will be a significant imbalance in nature within 10 to 15 years. He noted that the primary causes of flooding in Imphal are river overflow, seepage, and breaches of the riverbanks.
