Manipur Congress welcomes High Court’s prompt order on Mapithel Dam PIL

The Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) has welcomed the Manipur High Court’s immediate intervention on a public interest litigation (PIL) concerning the sudden opening of the Mapithel Dam, which had triggered severe flooding across multiple districts. 

MPCC president Keisham Meghachandra, addressing the media at his residence, said he had filed the PIL on November 17 in connection with the release of water from the Mapithel Dam—also known as the Thoubal Multipurpose Project—during the intervening night of September 14 and 15, 2025. The incident led to massive flooding in Thoubal, Imphal East, and parts of Imphal West districts.

Meghachandra described the High Court’s same-day order as a historic moment, stating that the prompt action demonstrated the judiciary’s sensitivity toward public grievances. He said the court has directed the constitution of a committee to investigate the opening of the dam gates that resulted in extensive damage in downstream areas. The committee has been instructed to complete its inquiry within 12 weeks, by March 2.

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He further alleged that Manipur has been experiencing recurrent floods during the monsoon, often due to poor precautionary measures. He argued that the unannounced release of water from the dam, without proper consultation with higher authorities, was a major factor behind the latest disaster. 

He accused the Water Resources Department of negligence and urged the authorities to ensure a fair and transparent investigation. Meghachandra also demanded compensation for all families affected by the flooding.

The MPCC president added that he had earlier submitted letters and a memorandum to the Governor and the Chief Secretary, highlighting the department’s negligence in the handling of the Mapithel Dam and the resulting destruction.