Manipur, nestled in the Eastern Himalayas, has long captivated with its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. However, the state is increasingly defined by the devastating floods that have come to plague its communities and ecosystems. The floods of May-June 2025 were particularly severe, affecting over 20,000 people and leading to the destruction of more than 3,000 homes, alongside numerous landslides. This alarming situation serves not only as a stark reminder of nature’s fury but also as a consequence of human-induced ecological neglect and erratic climatic changes.

The gravity of the flooding problem has been corroborated by insights from organisations such as the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. These bodies have noted a significant rise in extreme weather events across Northeast India in recent years. Manipur has seen disruptions in its monsoon patterns, characterised by prolonged dry spells followed by intense downpours. Such erratic weather patterns lead to flash floods, particularly in the low-lying Imphal Valley, where poor drainage exacerbates the accumulation of rainwater. This, combined with the region’s geography, results in an influx of runoff that erodes hillsides and deposits silt in river systems, significantly deteriorating their water-carrying capacities.

Drivers of these chronic flooding events include rampant deforestation and shifting agricultural practices, commonly referred to as Thum, where significant portions of forest land are cleared for farming and firewood. In the past, the vegetation played a critical role in soil retention and rainfall absorption. Presently, the denuded hillsides have worsened soil erosion and landslide occurrences, sending unchecked water flow into valleys and rivers that are already struggling to cope with sedimentation. Rivers such as the Iril, Nambul, and Imphal are emblematic of this decline, with their water levels frequently toppling during heavy rainfall.

Urbanisation has compounded these flooding issues. Imphal, the capital, faces challenges from rapid and often unplanned development, leading to the encroachment of wetlands, floodplains, and traditional drainage pathways. These urban adjustments disrupt natural hydrological cycles and create additional pressure on an already overwhelmed drainage infrastructure. Blockages caused by waste accumulation and outdated drainage systems have left residents grappling with stagnant waters after floods, revealing significant oversights in urban planning that have left many areas, like Thangmeiband and Sagolband, at high risk.

Furthermore, the degradation of wetlands, including the vital Loktak Lake — the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India — exacerbates the flooding issue. The lake is increasingly choked by encroachment and pollution, diminishing its regulatory capacity for floodwaters. Floating vegetation and debris act as barriers, leading to the stagnation of water and further complicating flooding. As its ecological health declines, the livelihoods of communities dependent on the lake are also significantly jeopardised, particularly impacting local fishermen.

The socio-economic repercussions of these floods fall hardest on the region’s vulnerable populations, including impoverished households, farmers, and indigenous communities. As standing crops are submerged, many families face the stark reality of food insecurity and income loss, while women and children bear additional burdens of displacement and health risks associated with contaminated water supplies. Flooding becomes a recurrent cycle, deepening the vulnerability of already-marginalised groups and perpetuating a landscape of poverty.

Despite the existence of the Manipur State Disaster Management Authority (MSDMA), there are critical gaps in disaster preparedness and response systems. For instance, coordination between agencies is often poor; citizens have reported delays in receiving aid during crises. The lack of effective early warning systems, especially in rural villages with limited internet access, further hampers efforts to mitigate flood risks. A reactive rather than proactive approach prevails, focusing on immediate relief rather than long-term resiliency building.

To address these multifaceted challenges, Manipur needs to implement comprehensive, evidence-based strategies for flood management and climate resilience. Recommendations include afforestation initiatives, particularly on hillside areas, and the restoration of natural water management systems. Integrated urban drainage plans must be developed to ensure that storm-water systems are equipped to handle extreme weather, with the restoration of ancient water channels and wetlands being a priority.

Moreover, the promotion of climate-resilient agricultural practices would benefit local farmers. Introducing flood-tolerant crop varieties and diversifying farming practices can help buffer against crop failure during floods. Upgrading technology for early warning systems, utilizing predictive analytics, and improving community preparedness through educational initiatives will further fortify Manipur’s resilience to flooding.

Success stories, such as the village of Phayeng, which has been recognised as India’s first carbon-positive village due to its eco-friendly practices, highlight the potential for meaningful community-led restoration. The Imphal Riverfront Development Project, if executed sensitively, could provide both green spaces and enhanced flood protection.

The persistent flooding that has befallen Manipur is neither an unavoidable disaster nor an act of nature alone. Instead, it is the outcome of policy neglect, ecosystem degradation, and inadequate infrastructure planning. Though daunting, the path forward is not beyond reach. Through collective action, sustainable practices, and robust planning, the state can build a future resilient to flooding, protecting both its people and their cherished land for generations to come. The recent disasters must ignite a sense of urgency and commitment to reshaping Manipur’s environmental narrative.

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Source: Noah Wire Services