Dried up Yongchak trees in Ngamju village. Representative image

Manipur Water Resources Minister Letpao Haokip on Sunday appealed to the people, referring to those who dwell near river banks in particular, to plant more trees to avert floods.

The minister was inspecting places along the stretch of Heirok river in Thoubal district.

“It is impossible for the government to solely solve problems of floods and other water-related calamities. Let us plant trees to keep the ecological balance. Checkdams or catchpits will be built along the Heirok river to regulate water flow,” said the minister, reports TOI.

Manipur has witnessed frequent floods for the past few years during  monsoon season, which often leaves a massive trail of devastation.