78 PERCENT PADDY FIELDS INUNDATED IN FLOOD WATER AT ANDRO: SHYAMKUMAR

Shri Thounaojam Shyamkumar, Forests & Environment, Horticulture & Soil Conservation, MAHUD and Town Planning Minister today inspected paddy fields submerged under flood water at Andro, Imphal East.

Speaking to mediapersons at Poiroupat, Minister Th. Shyamkumar said, around 78 percent paddy fields in the constituency are presently submerged under flood water and have completely damaged all the crops. He pointed out that, all the river beds in the State is raised upto 20 feet due to silting resulting in the water overflow causing the present flood in the valley. He opined that, the silts are deposited due to debris brought down from the hills and other areas due to continuous exploitation of nature. He was hopeful that dredging of river beds can check the flood.

Minister Th. Shyamkumar said, the State Government under Chief Minister Shri N. Biren Singh is committed to take up steps to avoid such kind of flood situation in coming years. He said, from this year onwards, the Forest Department will encourage people to plant Cardamom (ilaichi) instead of Poppy in between trees as it helps in soil conservation.

Th. Shyamkumar also appealed to the concerned department to expedite the distribution of paddy seeds and cover the Andro Assembly Constituency.