Manipur: Namtiram farmers seek urgent government intervention after dam, canal washed away

Farmers in Namtiram have urged the Manipur government and Tamenglong district administration to urgently restore the dam and canal supplying water to the Gouzaiham paddy fields near the Barak River at Namtiram Part-III Village under Tousem Sub-Division.

 

Speaking to reporters, Namtiram Area Farmers’ Association Secretary I.D. Kaipisinnang said the dam, guard and canal were completely washed away by flooding following heavy rains on July 15, leaving farmers without adequate water during the ongoing paddy cultivation season.

 

According to the farmers’ association, mud and debris from the construction of National Highway-137 had accumulated in nearby streams. During subsequent heavy rainfall, the accumulated debris and increased water flow reportedly contributed to damage to the irrigation infrastructure.

 

The affected irrigation system has the potential to support cultivation across around 20 acres of paddy fields, but water shortages have restricted cultivation to only about six acres this year. The fields are cultivated by around 10 farmers, several of whom have been unable to undertake cultivation because of inadequate water supply.

 

The association said the dam and canal were originally constructed by the Minor Irrigation Department in 1994 and have now been completely damaged.

 

Farmers have repeatedly approached the district administration and submitted damage reports along with photographs, seeking immediate repair and reconstruction of the irrigation infrastructure.

 

In an attempt to maintain water supply, farmers also arranged a temporary system using steel posts and three-inch GI pipes measuring around 60 feet. However, the arrangement has failed to provide sufficient water to the fields.

 

The farmers’ association has appealed for an immediate spot inspection, assessment of the damage and assistance for temporary water supply, along with the repair or reconstruction of the dam, guard and canal.

 

The farmers said urgent intervention is needed to protect the current paddy crop and safeguard the livelihoods of farming families dependent on the fields.