IMPHAL, March 9: Residents of Kiyamgei Khoiram Leikai residing alongside the Imphal River are growing restless over the past few days with half of the road along this stretch sunken towards the river due to soil erosion.
The erosion has not only dragged down the embankment (retaining wall) constructed along the bank, but developed cracks about 200 metres long threatening to wear down half of the road.
Concerned over the grim situation which could lead to a major catastrophe during the rainy season, the locals drew the attention of the authority to intervene into the matter immediately.
Talking to this reporter, a local man informed that a breach this area could potentially submerge most of the Imphal West district and destroyed properties worth crores.
Despite the imminent danger it could spell the higher authority are remaining a silent spectator, he lamented.
Another local informed that they had apprised the department concerned but in response they claimed that they are helpless on the pretext of fund shortage.
He further informed that they will take the matter with the concerned minister and also Chief Minister as soon possible.
According to Ch Ranabir Executive Engineer of IFCD, the department’s efforts to prevent such erosion have turned futile. He claimed in order to strengthen the base of the embankment the department dug several feet into the earth to replace the moisture laden soil with fine soil and applied other technical concept. However, they could not maintain the structure due to lack of funds, he further added.
