Dolaithabi Barrage yet to achieve full irrigation potential;

#Exclusive || Dolaithabi Barrage yet to achieve full irrigation potential; only 1,300 hectares covered against planned 7,000 Imphal | June 18: The Dolaithabi Barrage, approved in 1992 and inaugurated in 2021 after years of construction, is yet to achieve its intended irrigation coverage. Although the project was designed to provide irrigation to over 7,000 hectares of agricultural land, only around 1,300 hectares are currently receiving water. Farmers in the command area told the HY team that despite waiting for over two decades for the project to become operational, they continue to face difficulties due to the lack of adequate irrigation facilities. They said the shortage of water has adversely affected cultivation and agricultural productivity. Locals also pointed out several shortcomings in the project, including damaged canal walls, incomplete shutter-related works, broken canal sections, and repeated installation of pipelines, raising concerns over the quality and durability of the infrastructure. Naoroibam Subash, a resident of Loushangkhong village, highlighted multiple defects in the irrigation system, particularly along the Sekta–Loushangkhong and Pungdongbam canal stretches. He urged the authorities to carry out necessary repairs and improvements to ensure water reaches all intended farmlands. Farmers further stated that unless the barrage can supply water consistently during both the Kharif and Rabi cropping seasons, the project will fail to serve its intended purpose. They also expressed concern that the dam has altered the area's natural habitat without delivering the expected benefits, urging the State Government and planning authorities to address the issues at the earliest. Reported by Sunil Wahengbam & Bidyaswore #Dolaithabi #ManipurNews #Manipur #ExclusiveStory