Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh led a high-level review meeting at the Secretariat on Thursday to address chronic waterlogging along Imphal’s National Highways and low-lying urban areas.
The meeting was attended by Langthabal MLA Karam Shyam, the Secretary of Water Resources, the Imphal West Deputy Commissioner, and the Chief Engineers of both the PWD and the Water Resources Department.
“We reviewed the current situation and examined the causes of waterlogging affecting commuters and nearby residents,” the Chief Minister stated via social media.
“I directed the officials concerned to take immediate remedial measures and to prevent recurrence of such problems in future.”
The intervention follows reports that several low-lying areas in Imphal city have remained inundated for five to six months. Local residents note that the flooding persists even during dry spells due to severely clogged and overflowing drainage systems.
In commercial hubs like the Khwairamband Keithel area near Irawat Bhawan, the stagnant, pungent water has created severe disruptions. Commuters daily navigate hidden potholes under the water, leading to frequent accidents and traffic altercations.
Local vendors report a sharp decline in business as customers actively avoid the area due to the foul odor and unhygienic conditions.
Business owners and residents have expressed growing fears of skin diseases and other public health hazards, urging authorities to swiftly dredge and unclog the drainage network.