Bishnupur (Manipur) [India], June 8 (HBTV): Authorities and residents in Manipur's Bishnupur district, particularly around the Ithai Barrage area, have come together to tackle the severe plastic and solid waste accumulation following recent floods.

Director of the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, Dr Brajakumar Singh, highlighted the seriousness of the situation. He stated, ‘After the floods which occurred in the last week of May, the water has receded, but it was blocked due to plastic in the drainage system. The post-flood impact is very intense in the state, and we should be cautious regarding it. The plastic and debris in the Ithai Barrage is as deep as 5–6 feet. On June 5, we started clearing all the plastic from the barrage area along with the local youth and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Till the third day of the cleaning, we have collected around 5,000 bags of plastic that have been removed.’

A press release from the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) stated that various departments—including the Minor Irrigation Department, Water Resources Department, Manipur Fire Service, and District Administration—are coordinating efforts to address waterlogging across several flood-affected locations.

On June 6, the Minor Irrigation Department began dewatering operations at key sites such as the Shree Shree Govindajee Temple and Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) using 25 HP pumps.

Earlier, on May 31, Imphal experienced a flood-like situation in multiple areas due to relentless rainfall, resulting in widespread waterlogging. Roads were submerged, significantly disrupting daily life and causing difficulties for residents navigating the inundated areas.

Low-lying regions around the city were the hardest hit, as existing stormwater drainage systems failed to handle the volume of rainwater. In several localities, water seeped into homes and shops, forcing residents to take improvised steps to safeguard their belongings.

(ANI)