Manipur Government adopts multi-agency approach for post-flood restoration

Multiple departments of the Manipur Government are working in unison to mitigate the impact of recent flooding and restore normalcy in affected areas across the state.

 

From de-watering flooded facilities to clearing clogged drainage systems, departments such as the Minor Irrigation Department, Water Resources Department, Manipur Fire Service, and District Administration have mobilized resources and manpower on a war footing.

 

On June 6, the Minor Irrigation Department initiated de-watering operations at critical sites including the Shree Shree Govindajee Temple and the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) using 25 HP pumps. These efforts were complemented by the Water Resources Department, which began de-clogging major drainage streams like Pemikhong and Takhelkhong by removing accumulated debris and vegetation.

 

Significant improvements in water levels were observed at waterlogged zones such as Porompat Soibam Leikai, Thawan Thaba Leikai, and Kongpal Mutum Leikai near JNIMS, as well as Andro Parking and Konung Mamang near Govindajee Temple.

 

The Manipur Fire Service played a pivotal role, arriving at JNIMS on June 5 and launching an extensive clean-up operation the next day with a 90-member team, three water browsers, portable pumps, LED lighting, and cleaning equipment. Hospital staff, including doctors, nurses, paramedics, and administrative personnel, actively joined the effort to clean the massive 56-acre complex. A separate team was also deployed to clean the Govindajee Temple premises.

 

Initial resistance emerged from residents near the Govindajee Temple as the de-watering process risked further inundating their already waterlogged areas. However, following negotiations, the water was diverted through long piping systems to distant locations, enabling operations to proceed without major public backlash. The temple's de-watering was completed by June 7.

 

Floodwater was also pumped out from other key sites including Raj Bhawan, Sanjenthong, New Checkon, Bamon Leikai, and Singjamei Beigyapati Leikai.

 

The Water Resources Department undertook debris removal and stream de-clogging in multiple densely populated areas such as Thongju, Yaishkul, Ayangpalli, Ningthempukhri, and Nongmeibung. Clearing operations at Samurou Upokpi significantly restored flow in the Nambul River.

 

River bank breaches along the Imphal and Kongba Rivers have now been reinforced. A soil crack detected at Mayang Imphal Chabung Company was investigated in consultation with geotechnical experts from Manipur Institute of Technology, who identified the issue as a drawdown effect. Remedial strategies are underway.

 

The JNIMS Hospital, Manipur’s premier medical institute, was severely affected on June 1 when floodwaters breached the Imphal River at Khurai Heigrumakhong, inundating ground floors and critical units like the ICU and labor room. Emergency evacuation efforts shifted 272 patients to RIMS and 91 to private hospitals, including serious neurosurgery cases.

 

The rescue operation saw collaborative efforts from Manipur Fire Service, SDRF, Manipur Police, NDRF, central forces, civil organisations, and volunteers. Restoration is now in progress: plastic waste has been cleared, hospital drains unclogged, power supply restored to medical units, and sanitisation of water reservoirs is underway.