Imphal (Manipur) [India], June 7 (ANI): In a coordinated effort to tackle the flood situation, various departments—including the Minor Irrigation Department, Water Resources Department, Manipur Fire Service, and District Administration—are working together to address waterlogging across several locations in Manipur, according to a press release from the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR).
On June 6, 2025, the Minor Irrigation Department initiated dewatering efforts at key flood-affected locations such as the Shree Shree Govindajee Temple and Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS), using 25 HP pumps. Meanwhile, the Water Resource Department began de-clogging streams such as Pemikhong and Takhelkhong by removing debris and vegetation from the streams and surrounding areas. As a result, waterlogging at JNIMS and its surrounding areas—Porompat Soibam Leikai, Porompat Thawan Thaba Leikai, and Kongpal Mutum Leikai—has significantly subsided. Similarly, the de-clogging of Takhelkhong has helped ease waterlogging near Govindajee Temple and nearby areas like Andro-parking and Konung-Mamang.
The Manipur Fire Service, having independently surveyed the JNIMS hospital complex on June 5, prepared a detailed plan for cleaning. Once floodwaters receded below the ground floor plinth levels, 90 Fire Service personnel were mobilised on June 6, along with three water browsers, a submersible portable pump, an LED lighting system, brooms, and wipers. They were joined by JNIMS employees, including officers, doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, administrative staff, and support staff, to clean the extensive 56-acre complex. The clean-up efforts were ongoing at the time of this report. A separate team of Fire Service personnel was also deployed at Govindajee Temple, where similar cleaning activities are in progress.
Despite staff shortages, the State Minor Irrigation Department deployed personnel on a round-the-clock roster to dewater various locations. When the department attempted to dewater the Govindajee Temple, it initially faced resistance from nearby residents due to the already inundated state of their own localities. However, after intense negotiations, the department resumed operations by pumping water to more distant discharge points using long pipes, which required vehicle diversions and temporary public inconvenience. This task was completed on June 7.
Additional areas where floodwaters were successfully pumped out include the Raj Bhawan, Sanjenthong, New Checkon, Bamon Leikai, and Singjamei Beigyapati Leikai. The Water Resource Department also cleared debris and vegetation blocking the Nambul River at Samurou Upokpi and carried out de-clogging of drains and streams in densely populated areas such as Thongju, Yaishkul, Ayangpalli, Ningthempukhri, and Nongmeibung to enhance drainage.
After reinforcing riverbanks along the Imphal and Kongba Rivers, the Water Resource Department investigated soil cracks at Mayang Imphal Chabung Company with assistance from a geotechnical expert from the Manipur Institute of Technology. The cracks were attributed to drawdown effects, and remedial measures are being formulated.
It is worth noting that JNIMS Hospital, Manipur’s premier medical institute, was severely affected by floodwaters on June 1 due to a breach in the Imphal River at Khurai Heigrumakhong. The ground floors of nearly all buildings were inundated, disrupting critical services, including ICUs, wards, and the labour room. Emergency evacuations were conducted, relocating 272 patients to RIMS and 91 patients to private hospitals, including critical neurosurgery cases. The evacuations were carried out by the Manipur Fire Service, SDRF, Manipur Police, NDRF, Central Security Forces, civil organisations, local volunteers, the Red Cross, NHM, the CMO/Imphal East, the District Administration, and students’ organisations.
Restoration work is now in full swing. Debris has been cleared from hospital drains, while MSPCL and MSPDCL have restored electricity for essential medical equipment. Sanitisation and water removal from reservoirs are ongoing.
The collaborative effort by state departments, agencies, civil society organisations, students’ groups, and the general public underscores that no crisis is insurmountable when tackled together in a united and coordinated manner. The Government of Manipur remains committed to public safety, timely relief, flood mitigation, and sustainable recovery, while expressing gratitude to all who extended support during the crisis. (ANI)
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