A team of senior Congress leaders from Manipur visited the flood-affected Heingang area on Saturday to assess the damage caused by days of heavy rainfall. During the visit, the delegation harshly criticized the state’s Water Resources Department, blaming them for gross flood negligence that worsened the crisis.
Led by state Congress president Keisham Meghachandra, the team interacted with residents, inspected inundated homes, and held a press briefing on the condition of the area.
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Congress Team Blames Department for Flood Negligence
Speaking to the media, Meghachandra accused the Water Resources Department of failing to act in time, which he said directly contributed to the suffering of locals.
“This is not just a natural disaster—it is a man-made one,” he said. “The department’s failure to repair embankments and manage water channels reflects complete flood negligence.”
He claimed that warnings about vulnerable zones had been issued long ago but were ignored. According to him, the administration neither reinforced riverbanks nor ensured that existing flood management systems were functional.
Locals Left Helpless Amid Rising Waters
Residents of Heingang, a low-lying area near Imphal, described how their homes and shops were quickly overtaken by floodwaters after continuous downpours over the last three days.
Many pointed to clogged drains and broken flood barriers as key reasons for the waterlogging.
“There was no pre-warning, no evacuation plan,” said 52-year-old R.K. Yaima, a shopkeeper whose business was completely submerged. “We have been left to suffer alone. Authorities never showed up until now.”
Congress leaders reassured the residents that their grievances would be taken up with the Governor and central authorities. They also distributed emergency relief kits, including dry food and medicines.
Demand for Accountability and Immediate Action
During the press meet, the Congress team demanded an independent audit of flood management protocols in Heingang and other vulnerable areas. They also asked for a public explanation from the Water Resources Department on how the embankments failed.
“The flood negligence on display here is inexcusable,” said ex-minister Govindas Konthoujam. “If action isn’t taken, the state government must be held accountable.”
He added that a letter would be sent to the Union Jal Shakti Ministry, requesting technical assistance and a review of infrastructure plans in Manipur.
Water Resources Department Responds
Following the Congress team’s statements, officials from the Water Resources Department issued a brief response.
They stated that “unexpected rain volume” overwhelmed the system and that repairs had been delayed due to funding issues and labor shortages.
However, critics argue this explanation falls short. “Flooding occurs every year in these same places,” said a local NGO volunteer. “That excuse no longer works. This is routine mismanagement, plain and simple.”
Heingang: A Politically Charged Region
Notably, Heingang is the home constituency of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, adding a political edge to the Congress visit.
Opposition leaders were quick to suggest that the CM should have personally overseen flood preparedness in his own region.
“The Chief Minister must answer why his own constituency was so badly hit,” Meghachandra said. “This shows that the flood negligence is systemic and widespread.”
Some residents also expressed disappointment that no top state officials had visited them despite the situation being critical.
Congress Vows to Take the Issue Further
The visiting Congress team pledged to raise the issue in the state assembly and national forums. They plan to file an RTI to gather documents related to flood preparation budgets, embankment repairs, and contractor performance.
“We will not let this issue fade once the water recedes,” said Congress youth wing leader Kh. Devabrata. “Flood negligence must be acknowledged, addressed, and corrected.”
The team also promised to return next week with a medical camp to prevent the outbreak of waterborne diseases in the area.
Broader Implications for Manipur
The Heingang floods are part of a larger pattern of natural disasters affecting Manipur in recent weeks. Several other districts, including Bishnupur and Thoubal, also reported flooding, landslides, and damaged infrastructure.
Many observers are now calling for a comprehensive flood management policy backed by early warning systems, community awareness drives, and regular inspection of embankments.
Unless these structural issues are addressed, flood negligence may continue to endanger lives year after year.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Authorities
The Congress team’s visit and strong statements have drawn public attention to the failures surrounding Heingang’s flood response.
While political rivalries play a role, the core issue remains that residents were left vulnerable due to poor planning and weak infrastructure.
As the state recovers, the spotlight remains firmly on whether the government will acknowledge the mistakes and make urgent corrections.
