Manipur Congress Seeks Urgent Intervention from Governor Over Devastating Floods

Imphal, June 2, 2025 — The Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) has raised serious concerns over the recent devastating floods in Manipur and has sought immediate intervention from the Hon’ble Governor of Manipur, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla.

In a detailed letter signed by MPCC President K. Meghachandra Singh, the party attributes the floods to gross administrative failures, including mismanagement of floodgates and delayed maintenance of key infrastructure. The floods have severely affected large parts of the state, particularly the Imphal valley and hill areas, impacting lakhs of people, destroying homes, paddy fields, educational institutions, and disrupting essential services.

The MPCC highlighted three key issues:

• 1. Negligence at Ithai Barrage: The letter states that all five gates of the Ithai Barrage remained closed from May 27 to May 30, 2025. Only three gates were opened on May 30 during a review meeting chaired by the Governor. The delay and limited opening of gates are alleged to have contributed to the rising water levels of the Imphal River. NHPC, which manages the barrage, is accused of failing to act in time.
• 2. Lack of Maintenance at Dolaithabi Dam: The party claims that authorities failed to maintain the structural integrity of Dolaithabi Dam, leading to an overflow of the Iril River before the gates could be opened. This, they assert, caused additional flooding in the Imphal valley, especially with increased levels in the Kongba River.
• 3. Unfinished Flood Control Projects: The letter calls for an investigation into Bharatia Infra Projects Limited (BIPL), which allegedly received ₹168 crore in 2023 for flood control infrastructure under the FMBAP (Flood Management and Border Areas Programme). MPCC claims the projects have not been completed, despite two years having passed.

The Congress Committee has urged the Governor to initiate an independent investigation into the alleged negligence of officials and agencies, including NHPC, Dolaithabi Dam authorities, and the State Water Resources Department. The letter also demands compensation for affected individuals and timely implementation of flood management measures across the state.

The appeal ends with a call for urgent action to safeguard lives and property through efficient disaster response and infrastructure management.