TAMENGLONG, Aug. 10: Farmers in Namtiram have urged the Manipur government and Tamenglong district administration to urgently restore the dam and canal supplying water to the Gouzaiham paddy fields near the Barak River at Namtiram Part-III village under Tousem subdivision.
Namtiram Area Farmers’ Association secretary I.D. Kaipisinnang said the dam, guard and canal were completely washed away by floods following heavy rain on July 15, leaving farmers without adequate water during the ongoing paddy cultivation season.
According to the association, mud and debris from National Highway-137 construction had accumulated in nearby streams. Subsequent heavy rainfall and increased water flow reportedly contributed to the damage to the irrigation infrastructure.
The system could support cultivation across around 20 acres of paddy fields, but water shortages have restricted cultivation to about six acres this year. Around 10 farmers depend on the fields, with several unable to cultivate due to inadequate water supply.
The association said the dam and canal were originally constructed by the Minor Irrigation Department in 1994 and had now been completely damaged.
Farmers have repeatedly approached the district administration and submitted damage reports and photographs seeking immediate repairs and reconstruction.
They also arranged a temporary water supply system using steel posts and three-inch GI pipes measuring around 60 feet, but the arrangement has failed to provide sufficient water.
The association has sought an immediate spot inspection, damage assessment and assistance for temporary water supply, besides repair or reconstruction of the damaged irrigation infrastructure.
The farmers said urgent intervention was needed to protect the current paddy crop and safeguard the livelihoods of farming families dependent on the fields.
